Nicholas I. Clement is superintendent of the Flowing Wells Unified School District.

Other articles by Nicholas I. Clement:

School support staffs invaluable

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CANYON DENTAL CARE
HYGEINE & DENTAL ASSIATANT Retail
TOTAL WINE & MORE
WINE TEAM MEMBERS, CASHIER & STOCK MEMEBERS General
GROUNDS CONTROL
LANDCAPE FOREMAN & LABORERS Health Care
Godwin Corp
Physician Assistant Services
Post Office Health Care
CATALINA POINTE ARTHRITIS RHEUMATOLOGY
LPN/MA General
SMALL WORLD
TEACHERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

My Sunday morning routine; coffee, a bagel and a quick read of the Arizona Daily Star, was extended to late afternoon on April 20 as I read with great interest the Senior Class Achievers 2008 supplement.

Although the student biographies were brief, I was incredibly impressed with the depth of the students' individual academic and extra-curricular achievements along with the diversity of their leadership and community-service experiences.

I congratulate all these seniors and commend the Arizona Daily Star editors, staff and sponsors for their yearly commitment to spotlighting extraordinary seniors. I challenge anyone to read this section and not be in awe.

If these senior achievers were interviewed and asked what contributed to their success, I predict answers which could be categorized into these three main categories:

● Their strong work ethic and commitment to be future-ready.

● Parents who have high expectations and give unconditional love and support.

● A number of legendary teachers who touched their lives.

These are teachers who in 2018 will be talked about when these students meet for their first reunion. These are the teachers who did not just ask the who, what and where questions, they asked the why.

These are the teachers who created lessons which attacked the student's senses and triggered deep emotional connections. These are the teachers who stayed after class for hours until their student's eyes lit up signaling, "I got it."

These are the teachers who made sure you always got your turn as leader. These are the teachers who helped you believe in yourself at that dark moment when you thought that first "C" was the end of the world.

These are the teachers who volunteered to sponsor the chess team even though they did not know a rook from a pawn because, without them, the season would be canceled. These are the teachers who always sat in the front row at choir concerts.

Unfortunately, another much more discouraging discussion may also occur in 2018. This will involve the impact the severe shortage of new legendary teachers is having on schools and the community.

The evidence is clear and compelling, all schools — charters, private and public — need more highly qualified legendary teachers in all areas. There's an acute shortage in secondary and special education.

I strongly believe this teacher shortage will be compounded over time unless we invite and persuade potential legends to enter the field now.

On behalf of thousands of students who will fill the Senior Class Achievers section in the future, please consider becoming a legendary teacher.

If you are a freshman or sophomore in college and undecided on a major, think hard about applying to a professional teacher-preparation program.

If you have recently completed a degree or are changing careers, think about applying to one of the many excellent teacher-certification post-baccalaureate programs offered by local colleges and universities.

If you were a 2008 Senior Class Achiever and had "plans to major in education" in the fine print under your name, we cannot wait for you to finish your degree.