As the title suggests, I am writing to you this month about a subject that I am very passionate about, recognizing the importance and influence of good teachers. Before I start I think I do need to share a small disclaimer. I am a third generation educator, my father and mother were educators, my wife is an educator, many of my extended family members are educators, and some of the most influential people in my life have been teachers. If you were to take just a few moments at this point and reflect back on those individuals that have made a difference in your own life, I am very confident at least one teacher immediately comes to your mind. Teachers make a difference, teachers can change a life, teachers need to be praised and appreciated. We need to take pride in our teachers.

I am truly blessed to have spent my professional career; indeed a majority of my adult life, serving my community as an educator and doing something that I believe makes a significance difference in a person's life. I am a believer that the profession of teaching has earned the right to be respected and recognized for the impact it has had on all children, and not ridiculed or diminished because it makes for a good redirection of responsibility that covers a wealth of unrelated social and political concerns.

The teachers I have had the privilege of working with here in the Lebanon Community School system exemplify, on a daily basis, everything I believe justifies and reinforces my unwavering admiration and praise of teachers.

Many people have an extraordinary amount of knowledge that would be very useful to students, but what makes the difference between those individuals and great teachers, is a teacher takes pride in knowing how to share that knowledge with all students, regardless of ability or desire. Great educators teach in ways that are meaningful and relevant to each student. Great teaching often has less to do with wisdom and skills, and more to do with attitude and dedication to their students.

Great teachers cannot be defined by a "one size fits all" set of predetermined criteria. Great teachers come to work every day prepared to meet the challenges of the day with a strong sense of P.R.I.D.E.

All great teachers come every single day with an unwavering sense of professional pride and commitment. I hope you can take a few minutes to introduce yourself to your child's teacher and see for yourself why you should be proud of your child's teacher and your community's schools. As this school year unfolds I will be sharing more with you about the powerful meaning the simple word Pride has for students, parents and teachers.