Experts predict that over the next 10 years the nation will need 2.2 to 2.4 million teachers. That means there will be 150,000 to 250,000 openings for teachers in the nation’s elementary and secondary schools. The needs are greatest in urban and rural communities and in curricular areas such as special education, mathematics, science, bilingual education and English as a second language.

While reading this information on the Web site recruitingteachers.org, a non-profit organization based in Belmont, Miss., I was reminded of one of the best teachers I ever had. Her name was Miss Naomi Slone. She was my second-grade teacher, and she always smelled of lilacs.

I often think of Miss Slone this time every year as school gets under way, and I remember how much I enjoyed going back to school each fall. Her patience and tolerance of our mistakes didn’t seem great at the time, but their influence is still felt today.

Young people often take their teachers for granted or fail to appreciate their efforts, but a dedicated teacher makes a world of difference — anyone who has ever sat through a class taught by someone unconcerned, can tell you it is not an enjoyable learning experience.

Miss Slone brought enthusiasm to the classroom and a sense of direction and compassion for students’ problems. When I think of all that she did for her “children,” I realize how she and so many others who teach in the early grades of school are so important and yet so little recognized.

A recent survey contends that if teachers in the first three grades of school “fail to capture the joy and fascination of learning, then that student is forever lost as a scholar.”

Miss Slone spent much of her time at unglamorous work. She comforted small people who were desperately lonely, fixed hurt hands, wiped tears out of small eyes and consoled the victims of playground accidents. As she taught attitudes and phonics, she radiated cheer throughout the school.

If you haven’t been in touch with former teachers who made a difference in your life, why not ring them up or send them a note and let them know you still remember their guidance and wisdom? It might make their day.

DEBORAH DANIELS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 234.