WI Dept. of Public Instruction page
Date: April 30,2010
Teachers make a difference
A Teacher Appreciation Week editorial by State Superintendent Tony Evers
In 1976, I started my first professional teaching job in Tomah, Wisconsin. Those rewarding
years as a teacher, principal, and administrator reinforced the importance of education.
Now, as state superintendent of public instruction, I am honored and humbled by the trust
the people of Wisconsin have put in me to improve public education in our state. Together
we must make sure our children graduate with the skills to be successful in the workforce or
further education.
And so during Teacher Appreciation Week, I encourage students to consider careers in
education. Research shows that the teacher in the classroom is the most important factor in
student academic achievement. For Wisconsin to attain higher levels of academic
achievement, we need talented, devoted teachers to help our students grow. Make a
difference: teach.
I know there is frightening news of educator layoffs in schools across the state and nation.
Our economic woes and budgetary cuts are very real. So too are the facts that many school
districts hire teachers each year to replace veteran educators who retire or move on to other
careers. In a speech about the importance of training effective teachers, U.S. Education
Secretary Arne Duncan suggests that by 2014, up to 1 million teaching positions will be
filled by new teachers. While some may think that is a rosy picture, I do know there will
always be a need for talented teachers.
My parents and teachers in Plymouth, Wisconsin, made sure I got a solid education. It has
made all the difference in my life. Tomorrow’s students need teachers who believe in them
when they doubt themselves or who challenge them when they might prefer an easier way.
We need today’s high school students to become these teachers, continuing the tradition of
strong educators guiding the next generation.
And, while I want to encourage young people to consider careers in education, during
Teacher Appreciation Week I also thank those who work in education. Your devotion to
children makes a difference. So during the May 2-8 Teacher Appreciation Week
observance, I ask everyone in Wisconsin to join me in recognizing the importance of
teachers and to encourage young people to consider careers in teaching.
Teachers make a difference
A Teacher Appreciation Week editorial by State Superintendent Tony Evers
In 1976, I started my first professional teaching job in Tomah, Wisconsin. Those rewarding
years as a teacher, principal, and administrator reinforced the importance of education.
Now, as state superintendent of public instruction, I am honored and humbled by the trust
the people of Wisconsin have put in me to improve public education in our state. Together
we must make sure our children graduate with the skills to be successful in the workforce or
further education.
And so during Teacher Appreciation Week, I encourage students to consider careers in
education. Research shows that the teacher in the classroom is the most important factor in
student academic achievement. For Wisconsin to attain higher levels of academic
achievement, we need talented, devoted teachers to help our students grow. Make a
difference: teach.
I know there is frightening news of educator layoffs in schools across the state and nation.
Our economic woes and budgetary cuts are very real. So too are the facts that many school
districts hire teachers each year to replace veteran educators who retire or move on to other
careers. In a speech about the importance of training effective teachers, U.S. Education
Secretary Arne Duncan suggests that by 2014, up to 1 million teaching positions will be
filled by new teachers. While some may think that is a rosy picture, I do know there will
always be a need for talented teachers.
My parents and teachers in Plymouth, Wisconsin, made sure I got a solid education. It has
made all the difference in my life. Tomorrow’s students need teachers who believe in them
when they doubt themselves or who challenge them when they might prefer an easier way.
We need today’s high school students to become these teachers, continuing the tradition of
strong educators guiding the next generation.
And, while I want to encourage young people to consider careers in education, during
Teacher Appreciation Week I also thank those who work in education. Your devotion to
children makes a difference. So during the May 2-8 Teacher Appreciation Week
observance, I ask everyone in Wisconsin to join me in recognizing the importance of
teachers and to encourage young people to consider careers in teaching.
Wis. State
Superintendent Tony
Evers
Superintendent Tony
Evers