Some of the best teachers available to help young learners are now even more available -- unemployed, underemployed and just plain affected factory workers, salesmen, waitresses, shop owners and many more.

It is a perfect time to consider the classroom value in employing them to engage young people in a way that could make economic (as well as philosophic) sense. With the right subsidy -- though many fear that word -- and acceptance from teachers' unions and school bureaucracies, those preparing to enter adulthood could learn firsthand of the triumphs and tribulations of the multitude of vocations.

I happen to come from a vocation that is uniquely, though by no means singularly, qualified to work with children. I am a creative artist, in the mediums of music and writing. My friends past and present -- working in film and photography, visual art, dance or theater -- are underemployed examples of some of the best mentors a young person could have. They can joyfully show creative ways of looking at the world's problems and patterns, despite usually living a minimal existence!

I learned a long time ago (college years) of the disappointments of school systems where curriculum was stodgy and set, and little room was left for creativity and idiosyncrasies to flourish. It is then when first majoring in English education that I also began to collect all haphazard, meaningful bits of information to see me through my burgeoning young life.

The mantra "you can't so much teach as only guide those who want to learn" rang so true for me that I soon couldn't stomach the profession I was trying to find work in anymore. I graduated cum laude, but there were no jobs in education in the late '80s, and I was already beginning to feel discouraged.

I soon moved on to counseling -- vocational, mental health, psychosocial rehab. Ultimately I claimed my professional creative identity -- original music-making and self-publishing of two books. And I worked as a tele-fundraiser for liberal causes, a women's rights activist and a library clerk.

I hold music creativity workshops that meld music and all the various art forms together.

If young people could routinely experience in their classrooms a round of professionals who love what they are doing and can share the downs as well as the ups, success will come greater than with book-learning alone.

Creative artists can certainly offer that experience. But then again, I know the authentic (and one of 10 out of work) mechanic, engineer and restaurateur could, as well. Maybe the lingering recession could actually spur that consideration on -- by all those who want to help both economic recovery and academic success in our country.

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