Letter: Board member grateful for teachers’ impact on students
To the Editor-
I want to take this opportunity to thank Stevens Point Area teachers for the service you provide to our scholars, our families, and our community.
The support, respect, and regard for our educators should be something all community members can find common ground on. It is my belief that the vast majority of citizens understand your role, your dedication, your commitment, and the difference you make in the lives of our young people.
It is my opinion that most community members understand that an informed and educated populace is an essential hallmark of our democracy. It is within our schools that our young learn of our history, what it means to be an American, and what our responsibilities and opportunities are as citizens.
I believe most of our neighbors understand that it is in our PreK-12 schools that young people receive the educational background which will prepare them for advanced learning, trade skills, and the job market. It is our educators who strive to have every young person find success in school so that they have the opportunity to find success in life.
Your most important role, in my opinion, is a role that is not defined by curriculum or goals. It is the role of showing each young person that they matter, that they have potential, that they are cared for, and that they have people who will support them regardless of background, unique characteristics, social status, or the challenges they face.
Educators make a difference in the lives of our young people and are advocates and support for both families and young people when they need it most. This is the role that will not be reflected on a standardized test but will impact our youth, many, with a life-altering impact.
So, during this week of Teacher Appreciation, May 2-6, I want to thank you for your service, for all you do that is unseen, and most importantly for choosing a career of serving our young, our community, and our schools.
Dennis Raabe
Vice President, Stevens Point Area Public School Board