There's been a lot in the news about glitches in our education system.

You've probably read that some schools don't meet state testing expectations.Once in a while a teacher gets in trouble with the law for doing something unprofessional,The newfangled Common Core teaching system is controversial.Some districts have labor disputes.Overall though, most teachers are doing a darn good job and really care about their students.Covering as many school events as we do, we see the positive things that happen. We see many teachers go the extra mile not only to educate students, but help them become better people in general.As an example, Panther Valley kindergarten students held their Christmas program recently. The concert was held on the high school stage so more people could attend.Every student in the class had a speaking part of at least four to eight lines. In other words, every student was made to feel special in the program. The students loved it. Most studied hard for the few sentences they had to say in what might have been their first public speaking experience.The program was fantastic. The teachers did a great job preparing the class.This is not an easy task. Not all students behave or learn on the same level as others. Sometimes parents aren't totally supportive. Even during the program, some parents acted in a less than mature manner.But the kids participating had a great time and obviously were proud of themselves. They achieved something positive in putting on a show everyone in attendance will long remember.Panther Valley Superintendent Dennis Kergick commented after the program about the teachers' efforts, "That's what we do."He's right. Too often the negative is more apparent than the positive.Overall, school teachers work hard and do their best to educate our children. Their jobs are tougher now than ever. In the olden days, you didn't have so many students and parents who had drug problems.Teachers have so much more to contend with today. Even in schools with low state test scores, there have been more than a handful of success stories. Doctors, lawyers, engineers and other esteemed professionals have emerged from these schools.Although the students need the desire to succeed, the teachers' efforts contribute to their success.By RON GOWERrgower@tnonline.com