Despite low pay, teachers reminded of importance

Annie Ruth Williams spent 33 years as an elementary school teacher - most of them at North Aiken Elementary School.

She retired four years ago but has kept busy teaching first grade at Second Baptist Preparatory School and sharing her kind smile with all of the kids.

"I've never stopped learning," said Williams, which is why she joined about 120 early childhood private and public school teachers Saturday at an annual early care and education conference at Aiken Technical College. Williams said there's something about teaching "that I can't let go of."

The event is sponsored by ATC, First Steps of Aiken County and United Way's Success by 6. Despite budget cuts and a difficult economy, said First Steps Director Marcia Nash, there was never a question of canceling the conference.

"We're all about the services these early childhood teachers provide," she said. "We want them to think about quality and who we are in the lives of children."

That's more important than ever, said keynote speaker Felicia Ragland, an education consultant and an associate with the State Department of Education. She considers herself an advocate for all early childhood providers.

"Resources are stretched for families, and their stress levels are up," Ragland said. "People are working hard or getting laid off, and kids are vulnerable. If they're not getting basic needs, as well as social and emotional needs, met, it's harder for them to thrive and do well in school."

Ragland lamented the low pay that early childhood educators receive, especially when they have a responsibility during the most vulnerable part of children's lives.

"There's something wrong with that," she said. "It's society's fault, as (athletes) get millions of dollars for shooting a basketball. But I'm trying to get you to think how important you are. You're in a profession, and you are absolutely needed."

The conference also provided participants with a number of professional development seminars throughout the day.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.