| At $4.3B, federal school funding an enormous waste |  |  |  |
| Written by Ann Richardson |
| Thursday, 09 September 2010 11:15 |
Teachers have a tremendous impact. Through the years they help not just educate, but mold, shape and encourage children to become successful adults and more importantly, good people. After all, what good is it if a child can memorize facts and figures and pass a test, but has never learned what it means to be kind and compassionate, to take turns, work well with others, share or be a good friend and a caring person? My first teacher at the old Wesley Avenue School was “Mrs. Ritter.” Anna Ritter, the warm and wonderful kindergarten teacher touched a lot of lives. She wore her white hair in a bun and with a hefty dose of kindness, helped every one of her students get off to a good start. Everyone has a “Mrs. Ritter” in their life. I couldn’t help but think of Mrs. Ritter and like-minded great teachers – including many of my friends – when former education commissioner Bret Schundler kicked |