Sometimes we forget, but life is all about helping others. Being altruistic is basic to one’s moral fiber. The sayings, “A rising tide lifts all boats” and “The joy is in the giving” sound fine but to discover someone who indeed selflessly supports their friends, colleagues, or strangers without expecting anything in return is arguably a rare occurrence.
When Mr. Johnson is escorted from the “Interview Room” to the even more intimidating “Teacher’s Room” by Ms. Beasley, he is overwhelmed when he meets his new colleagues. After exchanging greetings, they ask him how it is that he came to be an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. Mr. Johnson replies that his grandmother had taught English to Displaced Persons (DPs) from Europe at the end of WWII and he’d always thought it would be a rewarding job, so he got his degree in the subject and was eager to begin teaching. As there is no response to his story, Mr. Johnson turns the question around and asks his senior colleagues why it is that they have chosen the teaching profession themselves and how it is that they have managed to keep at it for so long. The teachers respond chorally with a sound which seems forged from an old foot pedal pump organ played in a deep, damp mine. Its simple message perhaps explains the core reason why teachers everywhere engage in their noble work. To Help Others On Their Way.
The song makes historical references to immigrants from Plymouth Rock and Spain as well as those who came here against their will “wracked in slavery’s chains.” It makes note of both the kindnesses received and the cruelties suffered by countless newcomers who have made the long and arduous journey to America from around the world. Its lyrics point out the various systems of support that have always been made available to newcomers upon arrival in America. Each group benefits from the generosity of those who have come before. They also gain support from strangers sympathetic to their struggle from both inside and outside their local communities.
Finally, the song celebrates the profession of teaching and the vital role it plays in shaping students’ lives. It’s a song about giving back to society which reminds us that education is not only a powerful tool which can bring financial stability, build public trust, bridge divides, and foster greater cross-cultural communication among diverse communities, it is a documentable achievement for which the recipient of this grand institution can be proud of for the rest of their lives.
As the teachers sing their ancient dirge in Gregorian chant harmony, reminding the audience of stone-faced monks in a convent monastery, they dourly evoke the spirit of service and commitment which defines their work. The teachers’ voices harmonize as one to extoll the transformative powers of education available to all who seek it.
As Mr. Johnson listens in awe to his newfound colleagues’ emotional testament to responsibility and resolve, he begins to worry that he himself won’t be able to make the grade as a teacher as have the others. His self-doubts lead to a rising level of anxiety within him which leads to the sudden development of a bad case of Teacher Panic.
