It's back-to-school time, and education employees across Wisconsin are eager to return to class.
The members of our union of educators, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), have a common goal. We are committed to improving the quality of public schools for students.
From Ashwaubenon to Pecatonica, we stand ready at the schoolhouse doors to pursue that goal. Kohler's Lori Neurohr, Wisconsin's 2009 teacher of the year, will bring a wealth of new ways to teach her second- and third-graders about science, thanks to her training at Space Camp this summer. Carol Surge, Wauwatosa library media specialist, will expand students' horizons after traveling to China to teach English.
Look for back-to-school stories from educators in your community as they are featured in public service announcements on local TV channels. Racine language and computer lab assistant Doris Szejna. Madison kindergarten teacher Cinda Quinn. Wausau bilingual aide Mai Chang. They join the tens of thousands of other Wisconsin educators who have honed their skills and refined lessons in preparation for the important work that lies ahead.
But teachers and education support professionals can't do it alone. Parental and community involvement is vital.
Today's economy is challenging everyone, and public schools are feeling the pinch, too. That's why it's more important than ever that our communities and schools work together to give children the support they need to be successful. After nearly 30 years as a teacher in Wisconsin Rapids, I know firsthand that strong public schools build strong communities, and a strong state. Wisconsin values successful public schools. That's a value we've held, and will continue to hold moving forward.
As the president of our union, I want Wisconsin to know our members support initiatives to keep Wisconsin on the forefront of quality and innovation. WEAC members are leaders in advocating for new ways of thinking, including restructuring the outdated school funding system and implementing policies that result in even higher levels of student success.
I urge you to become a partner with your local schools, starting now. Visit the Parents Community section of weac.org to find out more about what we're doing, and what you can do to support your local public schools. While you're there, check out our newest parent resource, Classroom Connections. Get involved, because great schools benefit everyone.
- Mary Bell is president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council.
The members of our union of educators, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), have a common goal. We are committed to improving the quality of public schools for students.
From Ashwaubenon to Pecatonica, we stand ready at the schoolhouse doors to pursue that goal. Kohler's Lori Neurohr, Wisconsin's 2009 teacher of the year, will bring a wealth of new ways to teach her second- and third-graders about science, thanks to her training at Space Camp this summer. Carol Surge, Wauwatosa library media specialist, will expand students' horizons after traveling to China to teach English.
Look for back-to-school stories from educators in your community as they are featured in public service announcements on local TV channels. Racine language and computer lab assistant Doris Szejna. Madison kindergarten teacher Cinda Quinn. Wausau bilingual aide Mai Chang. They join the tens of thousands of other Wisconsin educators who have honed their skills and refined lessons in preparation for the important work that lies ahead.
But teachers and education support professionals can't do it alone. Parental and community involvement is vital.
Today's economy is challenging everyone, and public schools are feeling the pinch, too. That's why it's more important than ever that our communities and schools work together to give children the support they need to be successful. After nearly 30 years as a teacher in Wisconsin Rapids, I know firsthand that strong public schools build strong communities, and a strong state. Wisconsin values successful public schools. That's a value we've held, and will continue to hold moving forward.
As the president of our union, I want Wisconsin to know our members support initiatives to keep Wisconsin on the forefront of quality and innovation. WEAC members are leaders in advocating for new ways of thinking, including restructuring the outdated school funding system and implementing policies that result in even higher levels of student success.
I urge you to become a partner with your local schools, starting now. Visit the Parents Community section of weac.org to find out more about what we're doing, and what you can do to support your local public schools. While you're there, check out our newest parent resource, Classroom Connections. Get involved, because great schools benefit everyone.
- Mary Bell is president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council.
