What Difference Can a Teacher Make?
By Carey Kinsolving

"A teacher can make a difference by giving less homework, 10 extra minutes for recess, extra field trips and five popcorn parties a day," says Sara, 10.

If kids could vote for and serve as school board members, Sara would win easily.

"Teachers help us learn the skills for later on in life," says Rachel, 11. "I want to be a paleontologist (a scientist who studies dinosaur bones and other prehistoric life)."

Without teachers, you might not even know how to spell "paleontologist."

"When Joash had a good teacher, he became a good king for a 7-year-old. If he didn't have that teacher, he wouldn't be a good king," says Jennifer, 10.

Yes, even a 7-year-old boy can rule as a king with the right teacher. The Bible records, "Johoash (also known as Joash) did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him." (II Kings 12:2)

In the biblical book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as crying out on a high hill to all who will listen. Wisdom is more valuable than gold and rubies, declares the book of Proverbs. Whatever you have to do to get it, do it.

In the Bible, wisdom is more than making good grades in school. It's discernment about life. It's making the right choices. It's avoiding traps that ensnare fools. It's choosing the right teachers and friends.

"A teacher can help you with special problems when you're stuck on something you don't understand," says Taylor, 9.