Kansas Commissioner of Education

Building a Future!

Alexa poses with the Seaman (USD 345) High School's Marching Band.

 

Daydream for a moment and picture yourself on the day you went to school for the first time, the day you entered kindergarten. Do you remember how eager you were to see your classroom, to have your very own school supplies, and how excited you were to learn to read, write and do arithmetic? Now for those of you who are teachers, daydream a moment and picture yourself on the day you went to school to teach your students—for the first time. Do you remember how eager you were to see your classroom, to meet and greet your students, and to challenge each student with high expectations to learn, to achieve and fulfill his or her potential? 

Schools across Kansas are preparing to open their doors to all of our excited students. Parents are registering their children, buying schools supplies and helping them adjust to a more structured schedule that has them ready for school. While this is an exciting time for all, we know that it is also an extremely busy time for educators. We know that when everyone is prepared for school, great teaching occurs and effective learning takes place. And educators are the cornerstone behind great teaching and effective learning. 

My message to educators is this:  You are in the ultimate profession. Teaching is the essential profession, the one that makes all other professions possible. Without well-qualified, caring and committed teachers, neither improved curricula and assessments, nor safe schools—not even the highest standards in the world—will ensure that our children are prepared for the challenges and opportunities in America’s third century. 

Teaching isn’t easy. It never has been. It never will be. However, researchers have found that the most significant factor in student achievement is the teacher. Teachers contribute roughly half the value of student gains, more than parent education, language background or parental income. 

In Kansas, our students are our most important consideration. To that end, as educators we promise our students…

• You will acquire the same essential knowledge and skills as the other students.
• Your learning will be carefully monitored, and you will be given multiple opportunities to demonstrate your learning.
• You will promptly receive extra time and support if you experience difficulty in learning.
• Your teachers will clarify the standards they will use in assessing the quality of your work.
• You will be the beneficiaries of educators who have promised to work together collaboratively to use the practices that have a positive impact on your achievement. 

Teachers, on those days when you wonder, “Why in the world did I choose to be a teacher?” close your eyes and recapture the moment that inspired you long ago.

Have a great beginning to the 2008-2009 school year.  Teachers and learners—together we are building the future!