Dear Editor:
As we begin another school year, I would
like to take this opportunity to recognize a group of valuable professionals
- our school teachers.
Teachers have one of the most important
jobs on earth. With parents, they are responsible for helping to open young
minds and prepare our kids for a lifetime of learning.
All of us can remember that special teacher
who made a difference in our own lives. Whether it was an elementary school
teacher who made learning to read fun, a middle school teacher who took
time out to listen when things were tough or a high school teacher who
introduced us to a new, exciting subject, teachers change lives every single
day.
Christa McAuliffe, who was selected to
be the first teacher in space and who lost her life in the Challenger disaster
14 years ago, adopted as her motto, " I touch the future - I teach." Giving
support to our teachers is one of the best ways to strengthen our nation's
future.
This year, a record 53 million students
will enroll in our nation's schools and enrollments are predicted to continue
to rise. At the same time, teacher retirements will be increasing as well.
We as a nation will be facing a challenge to keep well-trained, certified
teachers in every classroom.
I am working to enact legislation to promote
the recruitment, retention and training of teacher. This includes mentoring
programs for new teachers, professional development opportunities for all
teachers so they stay up-to-date in the subjects they teach, scholarships
for students who agree to return to their home districts and teach and
incentives for teachers to work in underserved areas or to teach subjects
where there is a shortage of teachers.
To teachers at all levels, we express our
appreciation. Thank you for your daily investment in our future.
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator