Dear Editor
As much as it might seem that change is the only constant in the realm of Pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 education in Saskatchewan these days, the one enduring component is the historic, albeit evolving, relationship between teachers and their students.
A poignant example of this was during a recent series of meetings held throughout the province during which teachers met with members of the Ministry of Education and local division personnel.
When it came to sharing teachers' hopes and vision for the future of education, the common denominator was how educators were eager not only to have their views heard, but equally how passionately they spoke of their collective desire to make sure any changes that might be implemented support student learning and success. It was a passionate discussion about not only teachers' aspirations, but those of the students they teach.
That quite selfless and genuine quality exhibited by teachers and staff in our schools is worthy of appreciation, not only during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, but on an ongoing basis.
As schools strive to make education increasingly more accessible to parents through laudable initiatives such as inquiry-based learning, members of the public stand not only to be more involved in the education process, but hopefully will also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for much of the work that teachers and staff do which might otherwise not be as readily evident.
The whole notion of how it takes a village to raise a child has never been more true than today, and the opportunity for parents to be more actively engaged in their child's education is surely to the benefit of all.
These are doubtlessly ample reasons to celebrate teachers and staff at any time of year, not only during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. If you would like further confirmation, drop in to your local school to see what is going on and feel the vitality and atmosphere. That's reason enough to celebrate for yourself and your children as well as acknowledging teachers and staff.
Colin Keess
Presiden, Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation
