Celebrate Our Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week!

I had coffee with Dr. Jo Allen, president of Meredith College, and she shared how each semester she welcomes the freshman class and often asks how many are planning to enter the teaching profession. “It was not so long ago when a large number of students would raise their hands with pride. More recently, it’s been less than a handful.”

Friends, our best and brightest high school seniors no longer see the teaching profession as a desirable career path. It might be because of the need to take on a second or third job to make ends meet, or the thought that one day their child might need the “free and reduced” lunch program. It might be the lack of resources and overcrowded classrooms that they experienced firsthand, or simply the lack of long-term financial security. It could be all or any combination of these reasons that places our children and public education system at risk.

When I announced my candidacy for the Wake County Commission, I ran on a campaign to raise teacher pay, and provide the much needed funding for public education. I have not forgotten my promise to you. We have an outstanding school board, a great superintendent, plus dedicated and committed teachers and staff. They are making a difference in the lives of our children every day. Please know that with great pride, I continue to stand by our teachers in supporting public education.

What can you do to honor educators during Teacher Appreciation Week?

• Let others know that you support paying our teachers more.
• When talking with friends and colleagues, share a story about your experiences with a teacher or what’s going on in your child’s school.
• Write a letter to the editor, attend a public meeting or tell your child’s teacher how much you appreciate them.

Let your voice be heard. Together we can make a difference.

Finally, one in five school children in Wake County don’t have enough to eat every day. This problem is particularly difficult during the summer months when school is out. Please join me in my $100 donation to “Mobile Meals” by the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle so that no child in Wake County will go hungry this summer. Click here to make a donation, or click here to learn more about the program.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to fulfilling my promise to you, our teachers and our children.