"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
This month, thousands of students in North and South Carolina are experiencing a rite of passage that they will never forget.
They are graduating from High School and preparing for the next phase of their lives.
But this year's graduation is bitter-sweet. Hundreds of teachers are losing their jobs due to budget cuts.
Some of those teachers are low-performers and really don't belong in the classroom.
But many great teachers are also being cut, and that's such a shame.
To them we would like to make this plea…
Please don't give up on teaching.
If you are truly passionate about being an educator…
If teaching is NOT just a job to you, but a way to change lives…
Please don't turn your back on this important calling. Our children desperately need you.
Hopefully budgets will soon improve…other teaching positions will become available and you will be able to return to the classroom where you belong.
And to you graduates - if a teacher has made a real difference in your life – be sure to let him or her know. Your encouragement could mean the world to them during these difficult days.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
