Andy SteinMs. McDanielCP ITA 410 October 2015Teachers99% of teachers surveyed say that “effective and engaged” teachers are absolutely essential or very important to ensuring student academic performance” (Mathis). Teachers are an important part of everyone's life, whether we see it or not. Every individual is different due to their personality which influences their teaching style. One might be stricter on tests while other teachers might be strict on homework. However, ultimately what matters is how they impact a student's life with their teaching style, performance and dedication. Teachers are an excellent source of role models for students. They guide and support the value of students' education so they can pass on their knowledge to the next generation. Teachers are responsible for student performance. Teachers, without a doubt, are slowly shaping the best education they can contribute to today and in the future. Today, schools are still developing an educational sense and designing their own individual goals. In the 1800s, Superiors limited the academic requirements to become teachers because women were despised. This action led to limiting education as a whole. PBS stated that "the curriculum was not very challenging: reading, writing, basic arithmetic, little geography and history." As history progresses, so does the progress of teachers and the value of education. Why do teachers continue to teach despite low pay and rigorous work? PBS believes that “Teachers remain inspired and energized by their students, which is what makes staying in the classroom worthwhile” (PBS). According to Teaching.com, “Almost anyone can become a teacher, but it takes a special person to be a teacher.” great teacher... halfway... who will not be able to support themselves in the future. According to American Promise, a high school diploma is important and it is important to get at least one in your life. High school graduates are more likely to be employed and contribute to job generation. The U.S. Department of Labor has said that high school graduates are less likely to engage in criminal behavior or community service. Teachers are part of everyone's life and students' performance is also affected by their performance. Teachers are everyday heroes when they choose to be. As the years pass, dropout rates are expected to decline further. A teacher should stop for a minute and ask himself this question: Why did I want to become a teacher? As William Arthur Ward quotes: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”