For more than 30 years, the National Parent Teachers Association has designated the first week in May as a special time to honor the men and women who use their passion and skills to educate our kids. Teacher Appreciation Week is a celebration of the contribution and sacrifice teachers make for students, schools and communities every day.
In classrooms across Iowa, talented, hardworking teachers are nurturing a new generation of thinkers, doers and dreamers. They prepare our students to take on the challenges of the future. Our best teachers are role models who show students how to work hard, think hard and become well-rounded, engaged grownups. They encourage our children’s passions, inspire their imaginations and help them realize the best in themselves.
One way we can thank our teachers is with our votes to fund local schools—the backbone of our communities. Adequate funding will ensure the continued success of teachers and schools in providing opportunities for our kids.
As you thank your children’s teachers this week—or perhaps a special teacher who’s had a big impact on you—we will be working to show our appreciation here at the Statehouse. Senate Democrats remain committed to increasing student achievement and improving teacher quality.
Thanks to all the teachers, parents, school board members and students who are e-mailing, phoning, petitioning and visiting the Capitol to encourage all legislators to provide enough dollars to give local schools the resources they need to avoid teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to course offerings and extracurricular activities. Your advocacy has helped make serious discussions about school funding a reality.