KIDS NEED TEACHER ROLE MODELS

One source of learning is far more powerful than the rest: role models. It's also the cause of -- and solution to -- the growing education crisis.

From birth, humans are wired to learn by observing and mimicking the world around them. We learn how to react by watching how our parents react. We decide what's normal based on what people around us treat as normal. Role modeling impacts us vastly more than explicit instruction, it's so effective we usually don't even realize it's happening.

This is just as true for students. How do kids learn to work hard, act with integrity, control emotions, show curiosity? From adult role models--parents and teachers (and also increasingly from strangers in internet videos, perhaps not for the better). 

Historically, teachers were among the brightest and most educated members of society, and were respected accordingly. But as the status of the teaching profession has declined, the brightest are frequently choosing other more lucrative and highly-regarded career options. We have the power to reverse that trend.

This week I spoke to two job candidates for a teaching position that had recently left tech careers. They had enough financial security to choose work for its impact over its compensation. That's not only inspiring, it's also needed.

If you've been looking for a change, if you're worried about AI impacting your job, or if you're just ready to make a difference in your community--now is the time. There's never been so much need for quality teachers, and such an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students. Go for it.

Sebastian

10/08/2026