For me one of the goals of my teaching is character education - to help my students learn how to behave with respect towards themselves and each other.
I want to prepare them to be participating citizens in our liberal democracy - and those two words are technical political science terms that describe our system, regardless of how they may offend conservative Republicans.
Thanks to my friend Diane Ravitch and her blog, many of us know the tale posted by education blogger and teacher Jersey Jazzman.
Read this post, whose title I have borrowed.
Or if you prefer, read this news story upon which Jersey Jazzman relies and to which he links.
Allow me to quote his final two lines:
I'll say it until the day I die: I am proud to be an American public school teacher. I am proud of the great kids of this country. I am proud to be a part of a system that produces such fine young men and women.
You people who constantly bemoan and mock the "achievement" of our children need to step aside in shame. These kids - and their teachers - are far better people than you will ever be.
Thanks for reading.