Best Job

Teacher

To the first grade teacher who taught us how to read and add ... to the sixth grade teacher who brought in Peace Corps volunteers and inspired us to change the world ... to the high school teachers who cared enough to call our parents when we skipped class ... to all the overworked, underpaid teachers in this city: thank you. We don't have to look far to see what teachers have done; we're living proof. Despite not being paid, respected, or protected enough, teachers work through long days, agonize through required standardized test-prep, give up much higher paying positions to work in Austin schools, and show us the most effective way to improve a community and make an indelible impact. We agree with the readers of The Austin Chronicle: You are our heroes. We hope the school districts and state agencies pay attention to this poll and start singing the praises teachers deserve.

Texas State Teachers Association: www.tsta.org; Education Austin: www.educationaustin.org