Young people should show more respect

To the editor: Generally speaking, I read the editorials with an open mind. It seems the majority of them are from readers complaining about one thing or another (politics or some issue to do with schools).

My remarks are in response to “Reward teachers” submitted by Brenda Davis and “Remembering to respect elders” by Michael Darby. I have been a subscriber to the Beacon since April 1989 and feel that these are two of the best editorial articles in all those years.

My wife and I both retired after teaching in public schools for 30 years. She taught classroom driver’s education and physical education, and I spent the majority of my years teaching behind the wheel driver’s education.

One of the first and very basic things I taught my students was how to respond to their elders and superiors. It was always with a “Yes sir, yes ma’am” or “No sir, no ma’am.”

In 30 years, I never received a complaint this was harmful to my students.

Repeatedly, I read articles claiming teachers are failing to prepare students to adequately deal with everyday situations. I firmly believe teachers today have a hard time teaching the three “R’s” when they must spend an inordinate amount of time teaching students things they should be taught at home—like respect and discipline.

I’m reminded of the mother that took her child to a psychologist and asked at what age she should start to discipline her child. The psychologist asked how old the child was. The mother said 3 years old. The psychologist suggested she run home; she had already missed three good years.

One of my wife’s struggling football player students had asked his friend what he needed to do to pass a required class. His friend’s advice was: 1) go into the classroom looking neat; 2) have a nice smile; 3) say “Yes ma’am” and “No ma’am”; 4) sit down and keep your mouth shut; and 5) study like hell.

It may be “old school,” but students who go to school well-groomed and receptive to whatever the teacher may share with them will enter adulthood much better prepared than those who show up looking as though they slept in their clothes and require much of the teacher’s time dealing with discipline and respect.

Parents: Do your job at home. Don’t leave it up to teachers to teach your child manners, discipline and respect.