By WHITNEY HOLLAND
President
AFT New Mexico
Throughout the country, this week is celebrated as “Thank a Teacher” week.
We know here at AFT NM it is more than just the teacher who helps to create a positive environment in our public schools and places of learning – it is the educational assistants, support personnel, nurses, transportation professionals, counselors, facilities personnel, secretaries, and cafeteria workers who all lend a hand to our students’ successful learning.
This is true whether you are in an early education center, a K-12 setting, or at one of our colleges or universities in New Mexico.
We also know successful students’ education begins with our earliest learners even before public school and continues through higher education or vocational/career tech training, and eventually will lead to a lifelong career.
Every educator contributes to the successes of our students, and no so-called “reforms” or top-down mandates can ever replace the role you play in our students’ lives and academic journey. The work you do matters and cannot be overstated, and we will continue to support you in every way that we can.
As we start to emerge from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember we not only have overcome those obstacles, but we have provided the best education we could provide for our students and their families. Our work is not over yet, and we truly hope we will return to a more “normal” setting in our places of learning, while incorporating our shared experiences from the pandemic into a more vibrant educational system.
Together, at every level of education, each of you have done your best, approached learning in new and innovative ways, and have kept our students at the forefront. We are grateful for you, this week, and every week.
The work you do matters and cannot be overstated, and we will continue to support you in every way that we can.
For all of the educators who play a part – we say “THANK YOU!”
Each educator’s hard work deserves to be recognized and honored, not only this week, but throughout the year, and I hope that your week continues to be filled with expressions of thanks for all your hard work!
