Are excellent teachers the most important piece to a quality education?

I am very inclined to agree with you, I am and educator and have been for almost 15 years. I have seen all types of schools where there have been great teachers/lousy teachers; boundless supplies/kids bringing rolls of toilet tissue and I definitely believe that while excellent teachers are key in quality educations it is not the only answer. Children must feel safe and secure; they must feel appreciated and applauded no matter how high or low their stanines are; they must feel as if they have a voice. If children recognize that some of the above qualities are apparent in their school culture, then I truly believe that the lack of supplies won't make a difference and while the teachers may not all be nationally board certified they must have a heart for the children and if they do have a heart, then healty academic and social relationships will be nurtured.

There is no one important piece to a quality education. In education a multiplicity of factors contributes to excellence. The identity of these factors is the indicator of distinction. Excellent teachers are but one of many pieces needed to complete the intricate puzzle of education.

Are they the absolutely most important piece in a child's education? No.The parents and family are the cornerstone of the education for a child. The more the parents value the educational process, the more likely the child will be to appreciate what they are getting.

If you are asking outside of the home, then yes. Teachers should be dynamic. Ask your child what they learned at school everyday. If they can't tell you what they learned, then the teacher taught them nothing!

I absolutly believe great teachers are the most important component to quality education, because they are on the front line and pass the batton to the student. They are responsible for implementing all of the techniques and best practices within their tool box to transfer information and various assimilation methods to thier students, which brings about the harvest of wisdom and knowledge.

Teacher are similar to front line soldiers; they are able to fight on the front line because of a coordinated and fully functioning support system. It takes a huge investment of resources to attract and retain quality teachers in the classroom, including:

1. Adequate funding.
2. Visionary Board of Education.
3. Quality District Leadership.
4. Supportive Principals.
5. Physical Resources - buildings, supplies, support staff.
6. Quality Curriculum and Educational Resources.
7. Family Support.