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A shout out to Idaho's teachers |
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May 23, 2017 |
By U.S. Senator Mike Crapo
I recently had the great honor of meeting with
Mary Lynn Spiker, who was selected to be the
2017 Idaho Teacher of the Year. The role of
teachers cannot be overvalued. Robert Frost
characterized teachers as “awakeners.” They
inspire and plant seeds of understanding that
can lead to not only successful careers, but
also successful lives.
I congratulate Mary Lynn Spiker on her selection
for this honor and thank her and the many Idaho
teachers she exemplifies for the work teachers
do each day to ready Americans for the
challenges ahead and awaken sparks of interest
in each of us.
Mary is an outstanding example of the talented
individuals who choose to teach and help further
Idaho students along their career paths.
She is a kindergarten teacher in the
Pocatello-Chubbuck School District #25 at Claude
A. Wilcox Elementary. She has dedicated 24 years
to teaching. Her biography, provided by the
Idaho State Department of Idaho, notes her
passion for teaching was sparked at the young
age of six-years-old when she felt a sense of
pride and accomplishment upon being asked to
read in front of the class, and states that,
“She teaches and models acceptance, kindness,
respect, high expectations for all, and the
value of truly celebrating one another.”
Mary Lynn Spiker was chosen for this honor among
nominations sought from school districts and
charter schools throughout the state.
The Idaho State Department of Education
administers the Idaho Teacher of the Year
Program, which began 58 years ago, to focus
“public attention on excellence in teaching that
has a real impact on the students in Idaho.”
According to the Idaho State Department of
Education, recipients of the award have
opportunities to travel across Idaho and discuss
education with other teachers and policymakers;
and travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with
fellow Teachers of the Year from other states
and the President of the United States. They
also serve as Idaho’s nominee for National
Teacher of the Year and receive $1,000 from the
state.
Because of the important work teachers do,
National Teacher Appreciation Week is recognized
in May to encourage students, parents, school
administrators and public officials to
participate in teacher appreciation events to
help show teachers how valued they are in our
communities.
I have supported the Senate’s unanimous passage
of legislation recognizing this time to honor
teachers and thanking teachers by honoring their
roles and contributions in building and
enhancing the civic, cultural and economic
well-being of the U.S. The Senate has recognized
that “Education and knowledge form the
foundation of the current and future strength of
the United States.”
Teachers do so much more that impart educational
lessons.
They identify and help develop individual
strengths. They comfort hurt feelings and keep
our children safe. They work with parents, tutor
struggling students, coach sports teams and so
much more. Teachers inspire and awaken ideas
that contribute to the strength of our
community, state and nation.
Congratulations, Mary Lynn Spiker, on the
recognition of your outstanding contributions,
and thank you, to Idaho teachers who dedicate so
much of themselves, their time and talents to
encouraging and inspiring Idaho students. |
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