Remembering great teachers

These are tenuous times for schools and the people who work in them across Kansas and the nation. A good friend of mine, former finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year, is among those who have already received a RIF notice (reduction in force.) It’s just one case in hundreds across Kansas, and it could be thousands very soon, depending on the approach the legislature decides to take when they return this week. Some influential folks continue to demand more tax cuts, making the task of funding crucial services for the disabled, health care for children, and schools almost impossible.

As important as these events might be, though, I feel a need to give recognition to another great teacher who retired a few years ago. It may be inappropriate to share a personal story, but my sister-in-law, past winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics, gave a career of service in my home town of Independence, MO. Sheri Adams helped found the Math-Science Institute about 20 years ago, but her teaching skills helped not only the gifted, but the student with more limited skills.

Sheri was diagnosed with cancer just last fall and it claimed her life earlier this month. I was humbled by her dedication and skill as a teacher for so many years. In the face of this terrible illness, though, I was also humbled and uplifted by her faith and courage. Times are tough for so many people these days; for those who have found teaching to be their calling, may you have faith and courage; and for the legislators who return this week, may they have the wisdom to find solutions that strengthen our schools even when tax breaks and funding cuts are the popular alternative.

Worthy beginnings, inspiring conclusions

The best part of my job is definitely the opportunity to visit schools, seeing the tremendous work of our members and to hearing their concerns and vision for public education. Sometimes, though, I don’t even have to leave the office for that kind of renewing experience.

Yesterday, about a dozen future educators, members of the KNEA-Student Program at Colby Community College came to Topeka, toured our offices, visited classrooms across the street at Topeka High School, and even volunteered for a time at the local Mission. What an inspiring group – their commitment gives encouragement that the next generation of teachers in Kansas will be just as dedicated to our profession and making a difference for students as the outstanding teachers who currently serve in our schools.

At the top of the list of current educators making a difference might be Carolyn May, the sponsor of the KNEA-SP group and faculty member at Colby CC. This was her final field trip… she plans to retire at the end of this year. She is such a positive force; conveying to these aspiring educators both the caring attitude AND the professional skills they will need to excel in their quest as educators. I’m encouraged by the promise exemplified by the next generation of teachers I met from Colby. And even more so, I’m thankful for the teachers like Carolyn who have lived that promise for an entire career.