Teachers Brighten The Path
By Sandy Garrett,
State Superintendent
Most of us can look back and recall one teacher in particular who sparked our desire to learn and lit our way to the future.
Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-12, and National Teacher Day, May 8, offers each of us a chance to shine a light on dedicated teachers across the state and to say "thanks" for illuminating our paths.
Oklahoma has some of the best and brightest teachers in the nation. We have consistently ranked in the Top 10 nationally since 1997. In fact, our high standards and rigorous teacher certification process has neighboring states coming here to recruit professional educators.
One sad reality is that employment in other states is sometimes more desirable because of higher pay. Teacher salaries in Oklahoma are low compared to nearby states and earnings here rank among the lowest in the nation.
A teacher's job doesn't end when the school bell rings.
There are papers to grade, lessons to plan, new research to analyze or new instructional methods to investigate. Being a teacher calls for a giving and caring heart, a love for children and the desire to make a difference in someone's life.
That is exactly what exceptional teachers do every day: They touch lives and leave lasting impressions.
As a classroom teacher in Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, I have many fond memories I cherish dearly from that time. May is the perfect opportunity for families to say "thank you" to a teacher. A child could do this by writing a note or drawing a picture. Parents might want to contribute their thoughts as well. A thank you note is a priceless token that will never be forgotten and a brilliant way to add some spark to a teacher's day.
Our schools are only as strong as the communities that are behind them and there are numerous ways communities can also get involved in expressing gratitude to their teachers. For ideas, visit our web site www.sde.state.ok.us and find the link under "What's New."
Thank you teachers, and keep up the good work!
