Teachers, teens both deserve plenty of kudos

I don't know why everyone older than 40 years thinks that teens today are hell-bent on ruining society as we know it.

Teens today talk differently than we did as teens. They communicate on cell phones. Sometimes this occurs while they are driving vehicles.

They have more money than we ever did. They drive nicer cars than we did.

But all a person has to do is spend a few minutes with Sandpoint High School, Sandpoint Middle School or Clark Fork Jr-Sr. School students to know that our worst fears aren't going to be realized.

Even though we have strapped an unprecedented debt load on these teens, they don't seem to hate us.

There are absolutely great things going on in our schools these days. If you haven't dropped in, please do so.

Students today are forced to learn the basics and are finding to fortitude to explore the many offerings at each school.

Last year the Bee and other groups started the Spirit of Education awards to recognize top-notch teachers. It was a tremendous success.

As we finish the first quarter of the school year, we think it is appropriate to thank all of the teachers, staffers and administrators who take the extra time to make the difference for our children and grandchildren.

No vocation is more maligned and measured these days than classroom teachers. As a society we expect teachers to take the place of parents when it comes to education. At the same time, teachers are handcuffed when it comes to disciplining students.

And with that, they aren't paid very much.

We appreciate the dedication of the many teachers who attempt to educate our children. Some say it is a thankless job. We know better.

Teachers, thank you for planting the seeds of success in our children. We appreciate what you do.

? David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.