Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel Thursday June 10, 2010
Thank a Teacher by Rep. Judy Solano
I recall a bumper sticker I once saw, “If you can
read this, THANK A TEACHER.” Such a simple message, yet profound in
its simplicity. I haven’t seen any of those bumper stickers in a long
time, but I think it is high time for a “thank a teacher bumper sticker
revival”. Teachers could use a little appreciation, and some recognition
for a job well-done. Each year they teach hundreds of children how to read
and write, to add and subtract, to multiply and divide, to be polite and to
play fair, to problem solve and think critically, to take responsibility for
their actions, and to be good citizens. These same teachers
recognize the challenges that pull on the attentions of so many of our
children…poverty, homelessness, divorce, hunger, too much TV, unemployment of
parents, drug and alcohol abuse, peer influence, physical and emotional abuse,
language barriers, etc. Teachers know the strength of those distractions,
yet do not allow their students to use them as excuses for learning.
Instead our teachers demand academic excellence and good behavior from the
students, and they do it without expecting public recognition or reward.
Take some time to thank a teacher. They need it this
year. With $260 million cut from the state’s education budget, hundreds
of teachers are losing their jobs. Paraprofessionals, counselors,
reading interventionists and other support staff positions will also be
eliminated. This means larger class sizes with less help. Before
the recession, Colorado
spent $1400 less per pupil than the national average. Due to
the recent cuts, add another $400 less per pupil and brace for more cuts
to come next year. With Colorado
being 48th in the nation for education spending per capita, taxpayer
commitment to public schools has its challenges for education in this
state. Yet, teachers are expected to raise test scores and improve their
effectiveness with more students, less support, and fewer resources. You
can understand why many feel beaten down.
In my world, veteran teachers deserve special
thanks. Those I know have devoted their lives to the children of our
community and the generations they have taught are better for their service.
Recent talk about replacing our experienced teachers with youthful, energetic
novices as an answer to solve all that ails education does not come as a
surprise to the veteran teachers; it just makes them sad. Ask the veteran
teachers what really works, and they will surely tell you…access to a quality
preschool and full day kindergarten for every child, small class sizes, a
balanced curriculum rich with art, music and physical education, teachers with
strong classroom management and expert knowledge of their subject areas,
meaningful professional development, teachers who build supportive
relationships with their students, counselors, parent involvement and student
motivation, clear and high expectations for all students, and opportunities for
college and vocational education. Taking more money out of the classrooms
and putting it into testing corporations and fancy administrative data systems
are not high on their list of things that matter. Seek advice from a
wise, experienced teacher, honor their seasoned knowledge, and partner up some
of those young, inexperienced, Teach for America kids with these great
teachers.
Let’s go back to the “thank a teacher bumper sticker
revival” idea. I know a successful printer who graduated from a public
school, is real creative with colors and design, and is a good speller. I
will ask him to create a new design for an old bumper sticker that simply says,
“If you can read this, THANK A TEACHER.” I’ll order a bunch and give them
to those who think teachers deserve some renewed respect and recognition.
If you see one of those bumper stickers, honk and give a friendly
wave. Small acts can often make a powerful difference.
State Representative Judy
Solano, represents parts of Thornton, Northglenn, and Brighton.She serves on the Education Committee and the
Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee. Contact Solano at 303
866-2918 or e-mail at judy.solano.house@state.co.us or on
facebook.
The next few links contain articles written by Judy Solano published
by the Brighton Standard Blade, the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel and
The Rocky Mountain News.
