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O’Connell Salutes Teachers On Their Special Day

jackoconnellState Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today expressed his deep appreciation for the state’s more than 300,000 teachers who are working hard during challenging times to prepare California students for fulfilling and productive futures. California’s Day of the Teacher is Wednesday, May 12.

“The Day of the Teacher is an opportunity to remember and thank those who taught us to read and write, to appreciate the arts and sciences – and encouraged us to try again and again when we struggled,” O’Connell said. “Teachers are mentors and role models who helped shape the people we’ve become and are helping our six million students meet their full potential.

“It is a tough time to be a teacher. The state budget crisis is forcing many districts to issue pink slips to thousands of teachers. Those that remain are making do with fewer supplies and resources yet more students in their classrooms. Many are being asked to take furlough days and pay cuts.

“We must continue the fight to protect education funding. We cannot afford to shortchange our students by depriving them of the most valuable resources we have to offer: our teachers who work on a daily basis to prepare our children and young adults for the challenges of the 21st century. On this Day of the Teacher, let us resolve to give our teachers, our schools, and our students the thanks and the support they deserve.”

The Association of Mexican American Educators, Inc. (AMAE) and the California Teachers Association (CTA) are co-sponsors of the California Day of the Teacher that originated from Senate Bill 1546 authored by former Senator Joseph Montoya (D-El Monte) and adopted in 1982. The legislation was based on the Mexican and Latin American “el Dia del Maestro” festivities that are held in honor of teachers.

The AMAE has chosen as its 2010 theme: Teachers Amaze!

The CTA 2010 theme is: California Teachers: Creating Brighter Futures

Here are the top 10 ways to honor teachers:

  • Send your children to school well rested and ready to learn.
  • Help your children with their homework at night and check to ensure all assignments are completed.
  • Volunteer your time.
  • Parent involvement in your children’s school is vital to the success of your own children as well as the success of the entire school.
  • Organize donations for classroom supplies. On average, teachers spend $400 of their own money each year on their students. Encourage teachers to develop a wish list for classroom supplies and help organize donations.
  • Donate new or nearly new books to the school library. Determine what is needed to improve the library and organize contributions to fill that need.
  • Send a thank you note to a teacher who has made a difference in the life of your child.
  • Have a party or reception at your children’s school to honor the teachers.
  • Report to the principal what a great job your child’s teacher is doing.
  • Just remember to thank them for all they do.

 

O’Connell Salutes Teachers On Their Special Day

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