This past Wednesday at the American Education Week Northfield Staff Appreciation Breakfast, I was recognized as the 2011-12 Northfield Education Association Teacher of the Year. I am humbled and honored to receive such an award.
This award is not about being the best teacher. This district is full of outstanding teachers. This is about someone taking the time to say, “I appreciate what you do.”
True teacher appreciation begins with us. We don’t expect it. That’s exactly why we should pat ourselves on the back every once in awhile. We should appreciate our dedication. We should appreciate our professionalism. We should appreciate our diversity. We should appreciate ourselves for who we are and for what we bring to teaching.
We should appreciate our power. If knowledge is power, and we know that it is, we should all think of ourselves as super heroes. We should realize our potential power as spokespersons for the good that goes on each day in our classrooms and in public education. If we don’t tell it, who will?
While serving in the Minnesota legislature there was plenty of discussion about school budgets, school funding, curriculum, education policy, and the teaching profession ……a lot of voices from all kinds of people, politicians, experts, bureaucrats, lobbyists… but only one teacher. I was proud to be a voice for teachers.
This award is for all of us who choose to teach for a living. Thanks for what you do.
Teacher of the Year
Published On: 28th November 2011 | Published By: Kevin Dahle For Senate
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