Everybody has a favorite teacher – that educator who opened your eyes to the wonders of science or taught you to love Shakespeare. You can probably recall the lessons that “Mrs. Jones” imparted to this day. That great history project or the field trip to the aquarium, the creative math lesson or the class mission to bring a piece of literature to life have inspired you to appreciate art, think more creatively and find new ways to explore challenges.

A recent study by economists at Harvard and Columbia Universities found that a great teacher offers so much more than just wonderful childhood memories. An incredible fourth grade teacher provides his/ her students with a $25,000/year average increase in annual income over their lifetime! In addition, students who form strong bonds with their teachers are less likely to become pregnant as teenagers and are more likely to go on to college.

While criticizing the education system has become a popular pastime, it’s important to remember those favorite teachers who helped make you what you are today. Budget cuts and disappearing programs are threatening our children’s futures but inspiring teachers are our best hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Is there a teacher who made a difference in your life or one that’s making a difference in your child’s classroom? Nominate that educator for Live! With Kelly’s 3rd Annual Top Teacher contest. The deadline for submissions is April 10, 2012.

For more information about what the inspiring teachers in Bucks and Montgomery counties are helping to create, visit the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools website and sign up to receive an occasional newsletter from the Friends of Public Education Network.

Everybody has a favorite teacher – that educator who opened your eyes to the wonders of science or taught you to love Shakespeare. You can probably recall the lessons that “Mrs. Jones” imparted to this day. That great history project or the field trip to the aquarium, the creative math lesson or the class mission to bring a piece of literature to life have inspired you to appreciate art, think more creatively and find new ways to explore challenges.

A recent study by economists at Harvard and Columbia Universities found that a great teacher offers so much more than just wonderful childhood memories. An incredible fourth grade teacher provides his/ her students with a $25,000/year average increase in annual income over their lifetime! In addition, students who form strong bonds with their teachers are less likely to become pregnant as teenagers and are more likely to go on to college.

While criticizing the education system has become a popular pastime, it’s important to remember those favorite teachers who helped make you what you are today. Budget cuts and disappearing programs are threatening our children’s futures but inspiring teachers are our best hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Is there a teacher who made a difference in your life or one that’s making a difference in your child’s classroom? Nominate that educator for Live! With Kelly’s 3rd Annual Top Teacher contest. The deadline for submissions is April 10, 2012.

For more information about what the inspiring teachers in Bucks and Montgomery counties are helping to create, visit the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools website and sign up to receive an occasional newsletter from the Friends of Public Education Network.