A TEACHER AFFECTS ETERNITY

A TEACHER AFFECTS ETERNITY

By Joe Renna

The attempt to assemble an all inclusive list of Peterstown residents who contributed to the education system in Elizabeth resulted in a universal response from current administrators. Simply: It's impossible.
The community of Peterstown embraced the freedoms made available in America. The early immigrant population respected the opportunities those freedoms afforded them. They knew they had to work extra hard to overcome the obstacles of discrimination, but it was a challenge worth accepting. It was important to learn the language and to assimilate to their new culture. The goal was to mainstream into American culture, not by changing the culture, but by enhancing it with their own traditions and values. The diverse environment of urban America was fertile ground for all ethnic groups to gain position of importance and influence. The first wave of arrivals knew it wasn't going to be their turn. It was hard enough surviving. They did, though, create the foundation for their children to answer the call when the knock came to the door.
Education is the main component of a free society. Ignorance is the only tool that could keep people oppressed. So before the generations become doctors or lawyers or politicians or anything, they must be teachers.
A noble profession - actually, a vocation. The demands it places and the dedication it requires can only elicit others to wonder why someone would choose to teach. The responses from educators are all very similar. "They do it because they love helping youth". "They do it for the love of the community". "They do it for a better future". All selfless reasons. It seems more like a sacrifice than an occupation. It's as if the spoils go to their students who springboard into celebrated careers. Very little celebrity is attached to a teaching position. In fact, somedays it may seem like a downright thankless job.
The reward for the teacher must be in seeing one of their students make a significant and positive impact in the world. Satisfaction must come from knowing that the student's achievements were a result of his/her education system. Multiply those results by a new crop of students each year and the teachers' affect on the world grows exponentially.
Research revealed that it is impossible to recognize all the people who defined this great history of education in Elizabeth. One must include teachers, administrators, coaches and politicians. Individuals and businesses in the community who volunteer their time or donate their services to fill gaps in the conventional system are unsung.
The title of this piece was taken from a quote by writer Henry Adams. In its entirety, it reads: "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops".