To the editor:
Nothing impacts a child’s academic and social success in school more than a healthy relationship among schools, families and the community.
As the 2014 Maine County Teachers of the Year, a new cohort of 16 teachers representing every area of our state, we are working together to strengthen student achievement. The key to our success is you.
It is vital that we work together — student achievement relies on school and family partnerships. Our relationships and collaboration will help students enjoy learning, meet state academic standards, and ensure their success.
Our schools are evolving as they transition to “proficiency-based learning”. Gone are the days when, regardless of gaps in knowledge, skills, and understanding, a student received his/her high school diploma based on just completing the required coursework. Now, all Maine students are required to apply knowledge and demonstrate skills in order to earn a diploma. The change to proficiency-based learning creates challenges for schools, students, and families, and the only way to navigate these challenges is to work together.
We all want our students, and every child in Maine, to achieve academically and socially. So what can you do to help our schools and children succeed?
Everyone is responsible for helping to overcome truancy and disengagement—the result of the growing number of children in crisis due to poverty and other family stressors. To address these obstacles, it is crucial to have strong relationships between families and schools. These relationships require shared responsibility among teachers, administrators, students, families and the community. Consistent attendance is crucial, so please help us get students to school each day.
Families, help schools by meeting with your child’s teacher at every opportunity, from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. Know what is expected of each child, and hold him/her accountable. Take the time each day to ask children about successes and challenges in school.
Educators, reach out to families and communicate regularly about each child’s progress, sharing both concerns and praise. Build meaningful relationships with students and their families, and discover their interests and motivations. Administrators, support teachers by providing the time to contact every student and his/her family.
Students, take charge of your learning. You must challenge yourself even when it is difficult. Take risks and take pride in your accomplishments. Realize that many people have invested in your future—and believe in you.
Community members, visit your schools. The best way to be informed is to talk with students and teachers. Have high expectations of Maine’s children and schools. Look for ways we can help one another, and be willing to contribute time, talent and resources.
Elected officials, make education a priority. Involve educators when making decisions by visiting our schools and talking with us about what is going on in the classroom. Engage students and families in conversations about the challenges their schools face. Turn these challenges into opportunities, and celebrate the accomplishments we make. Your advocacy is key to our success.
Building relationships among schools, families, and the community is crucial to addressing the challenges in today’s classrooms. Regardless of your role, we urge you to always ask the question: “how will my actions impact our students?”
We need your help to make our platform, and student achievement, a success. So what will you do?
2014 Maine Teachers of the Year:
Jeffrey Bailey (Oxford)
Kara Beal (Aroostook)
Andrea Beardsley (Hancock)
Sarah Brokofsky (Cumberland)
Cory Chase (Lincoln)
Dan Crocker (Kennebec)
Gordon “Skip” Crosby (Androscoggin)
Jennifer Dorman (Somerset)
Phyllis Frkuska-Heeren (Waldo)
Victoria Grotton (Penobscot)
Ann Luginbuhl (Washington)
Dyan McCarthy-Clark (Piscataquis)
Sarah Reynolds (Franklin)
Kate Smith (York)
Kristi Todd (Knox)
Eric Varney (Sagadahoc)
