Jamal McCullen is a pretty rare bird. He now walks the halls and teaches in a school in which he was once a student.

So why does he teach?

The pay isn’t great.

Parents are likely often upset.

Children sometimes misbehave.

But for McCullen it isn’t an option.

The 2018-2019 Natchez-Adams School District teacher of the year said he doesn’t have a choice.

“I teach because I must,” he said, meaning teaching to him is not just a job, but a calling.

He’s correct. Teaching isn’t for everyone, but fortunately our community is blessed with some really good (and called) teachers like McCullen.

He was one of several Natchez-Adams School District teachers, administrators and support personnel who were honored by the district.

We’re glad the district chooses to recognize excellence. Sadly, our society has its priorities messed up sometimes.

We tend to idolize famous celebrities who often aren’t all that worthy of our attention and praise instead of our world’s true heroes, which includes teachers.

As state lawmakers in Jackson squabble over how much, if any, to provide to teachers in a pay raise this year, let’s all just acknowledge that a good teacher is priceless.