Teacher awards

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce recently honored five educators during an educator appreciation reception:n Heather Fisher, a kindergarten teacher at Blanchard Elementary School

* Southeast Missouri State University economics professor Dr. Willie Redmond

* Central High School math teacher Mary LeGrand

* Central High science teacher Ellen Pannier

* Central High English teacher Julie Stausing

Teachers are under the microscope today as much as they have ever been, and they face challenges unique to this generation. They're required to deal with socioeconomic pressures, increased instances of emotional or behavioral challenges, constantly changing curriculum and required professional development. And then there's the teaching.

It is not easy being a teacher today. And we need great teachers today more than ever.

So we say thank you to these five outstanding educators and to every teacher who continues to work hard and pour their knowledge and their hearts into our children. Teaching is a vocation that demands compassion and an intense work ethic. For those who answered the call to teach, please keep pushing on.

Thanks to the chamber for putting on this event.