Love it! I can remember being young, probably in grade 2 when I realized techers were actual people. I saw Ms. Glenn, our music teacher and a cranky old thing out with her dog, drunk as hell! I saw her a few more times out in the "real world" and learned that she wasn't cranky at all, just troubled and lonely. She was actually very nice. And a creazy talented musician. If I had to teach 500 kids the recorder and ukele every day, I'd likely drink too.

I've had some wonderful teachers. I've had some not so great. So have my kids. But a good teacher, like the one you mentioned can truly change a child's life.

It's shocking what teachers are paid in the US! Well, shocking might not be the right word, shameful is more appropriate. Society trusts these educated and highly trained individuals with the care and teaching of our young people, yet pays them not even close to what their worth.

I'll say this for Canada, at least we pay our teachers a living wage. Last I checked they start out at just over 50k and it goes up from there. They aren't living the high life, not even close. They're still not paid what they're worth and certainly when one considers all their own time they put in, aren't likely even getting close to minimum wage for their time, but well, in this regard, we have the US beat all to shit from my understanding. It's a shame because a good teacher is worth their weight in gold. I might have to write something on this.....