I have recently gained a new-found appreciation for teachers.
Right about the same time my son entered the workforce - as a high school English teacher.
I only wish one thing.
After carefully guiding him through eight years of elementary school, four years of high school and four years at a fine, private university, all under the tutelage of some excellent teachers, I only wish someone had warned me of one thing.
I wish someone had told me just how difficult that first year in the classroom would be.
My son was insistent on setting off on his own, finding his own path.
He did not land a job in this area, so he found himself in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
He did not know a soul.
Yes, it was a very long year.
There were lots of intense phone calls.
But he stuck it out.
And he made some lifelong friends in that year.
I think about that year every year when it comes time for our annual salute to the winners of the Excellence in Teaching honors sponsored by the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union.
They tie into the All-Delco Hi-Q team; both will be honored Thursday night at the Partners in Education Celebration at the Drexelbrook.
Every year educators from across the county nominate some of their peers; 19 winners are selected.
You can read snapshots of all 19 winners here.
Each year we zero in on one teacher as emblematic of the group.
This year it was Michele Raucci, from Pennell Elementary School in the Penn-Delco School District.
She calls her young charges "Team Raucci."
I like that.
In fact, I like all these teachers.
I can't wait to meet them Thursday night.
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