Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter
Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter
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CAT Tracks for November 16, 2003
AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK |
Today marks the official beginning of American Education Week. In honor of the occasion, David Arnold has penned yet another of the poems for which is nationally known.
For those of you who do not recognize his name, David is a custodian for the Brownstown school district. In recognition of his contributions, his colleagues honored him as Educational Support Professional (ESP) for 2003 and he was featured on the cover of the IEA's monthly publication, The Advocate.
Here is David's contribution...
There cometh a time every third week of November
The teachers that gave us guidance, instruction, care,
Whether it came from a big school where nothing is of lack,
But let us never forget those of the support staff
But first of all there are the fathers and mothers
For within our souls dwells a thirst that does relentlessly burn Dave Arnold
A time which we have set aside to honor and remember
Those who worked with us and the best in us did seek
Those educators we honor on this American Education Week
Theories of science, and principles of mathematics did share
Encouraging us to do more than follow the crowd like the rest
But to seek new pathways and to always do our very best
A small school, or a one-room old shack
Regardless who we are or what may be our position
We all owe a debt of to those who gave us our education
For the school couldn't operate without their skill and craft
Whether they are a bus driver, secretary, custodian, cook,
A nurse, or maybe an aide, they teach by example rather than from a book
The grandparents and even the sisters and brothers
For it is within the family that education truly begins
But let's also remember that education is eternal and never ends
That is the desire to gain more knowledge and continually learn
For it is this wisdom and knowledge that helps us through our strife
So upon this week, we ask God's blessings on the educators of our life
FOOTNOTE: Delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly have designated two special days during the week to recognize that the education of children is NOT just a "teacher thing"...which the CAT wholeheartedly endorses.
So, on Wednesday, take time to say a special "THANK YOU" to the Educational Support Professionals...the bus drivers, custodians, cooks, secretaries, teachers' assistants, nurses, parent liaisons, and all the other ESP's of various titles without whom we could not do our job!
And on Friday - or before if you don't think you'll make it (smile) - direct that special "THANK YOU" to the substitute teachers who suffer daily abuse - Even more than us at much less pay!
For more information about and suggested activities for American Education Week, visit the NEA's website.
