Commandment #7 of the 12 Commandments for People Who Work with People is strive for quality in all that you do. I suppose it goes without saying that anything worth doing is worth doing well, but often you can see examples of people doing jobs part way, half way, or practically not at all. Don’t do it! If you have in the past, stop and never do it again. Always, always, always put your best effort in when teaching and working with students — they deserve it; furthermore, you owe it to them. Too many people get into teaching and go through the motions; our students want more, need more, have a right to more. They have a right to your best performance and effort. When I received my teaching certificate from Montana, I took an oath to do my best and help protect and teach children. It wasn’t an oath I took without care or without thought. I gave my promise, my word of honor. I entered my marriage the same way — I promised to love, honor, help, and protect my wife. I don’t go around promising things without thinking, and no one should. If you give your word, follow through. Being a teacher requires commitment, commit and do your best; otherwise, quit and work in some other field. Most teachers who leave the profession become insurance salespeople, I’m sure there is always more insurance that needs to be sold, so if you can’t give your best to students, go sell insurance. Please!
