My View
Those Who Can't...Teach?
By Kirk Lewis/School Administrator, December 2015


I struggle more each year with the complexities of our country’s public education system and what I perceive to be the lack of understanding and support from legislators and state education leaders. The attacks against public schools and their dedicated teachers grow more strident with the passage of time.

Just before the last school year came to a conclusion, I heard the cliché spouted again from the mouth of a radio talk show personality: Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.

The tired, old saying implies that people with real practical skills do constructive things — working as financial investors or physicians or corporate lawyers — while those who can’t cut it in the “real world” find a less-demanding refuge in teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Sadly, the sentiment, if not the exact words, is echoed by far too many in positions of influence today.

“Those who can’t, teach.” Really!

A Positive Spin

I reflected angrily for several days after hearing that drivel. I applied my frustration as I composed my end-of-year message of encouragement to the staff in our school district. Here’s what I did with that woeful adage about this noble profession in my remarks:

  • Those who can’t abide ignorance in any form … teach.
  • Those who can’t accept that a life of poverty is the inevitable outcome for children of poverty … teach.
  • Those who can’t stand to see any child disengage from learning … teach.
  • Those who can’t ignore the emotional and social needs of their students … teach.​
  • Those who can’t look in a hurting child’s eyes without feeling his or her pain … teach.
  • Those who can’t allow any child to do less than he or she is capable of doing … teach.
  • Those who can’t leave unspoken any word of encouragement … teach.
  • Those who can’t imagine any profession more personally fulfilling … teach.
  • Those who can’t help but see each child as a gift to the world … teach.

No Greater Service

Applying these definitions, I am blessed to work with so many people who can’t.

I concluded my message to the staff this way: “Each student you influence moves a step closer to realizing his or her dreams. They might never have that opportunity without you. So for what it’s worth, I’m extremely proud of you and your commitment to our students, your school and this district.

This is one superintendent who can’t imagine serving a greater group of people who … teach.”


Kirk Lewis retires in January after 10 years as superintendent of the Pasadena Independent School District in Pasadena, Texas. E-mail: klewis@pasadenaisd.org. Twitter: @kirkallanlewis