WEYERS CAVE – Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation recognizing Virginia Teacher Appreciation Week in the Commonwealth of Virginia. During the statewide “Virginia: Growing Strong” tour this week, the governor and members of his cabinet are holding 15 events with Virginia teachers and education professionals highlighting education in the Commonwealth. At one of those events yesterday, Secretary of Education Laura Fornash had lunch with teachers at P.L. Dunbar Middle School for innovation in Lynchburg and congratulated 2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year Meg Smith and met with other national, state and local award-winning teachers. Senator Tom Garrett, Delegate Kathy Byron and Delegate Scott Garrett joined her on the visit.
*The governor’s proclamation is below and can also be found here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/docs/Virginia%20Teacher%20Appreciation%20Week.pdf
WHEREAS, Virginia teachers are entrusted with the education of the Commonwealth's children; and
WHEREAS, Virginia teachers strive to instill a love of learning in and out of the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Virginia teachers seek to open students' minds to new knowledge and ideas while laying a foundation for life-long learning; and
WHEREAS, Virginia teachers model good citizenship by making positive and lasting contributions to society; and
WHEREAS, Virginia teachers fill many roles as motivators, explorers, mentors and listeners, and
WHEREAS, Virginia teachers, through academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities and social interaction, lead students to develop independence, morality and character; and
WHEREAS, Virginia teachers work tirelessly to increase learning and achievement and to help each student meet the Commonwealth's high academic standards; and
WHEREAS, Virginia teachers help students to develop and reach their goals while recognizing that each student is an individual with different needs for growth and success; and
WHEREAS, Virginia teachers' commitment to academic excellence is reflected in annual increases in student learning and achievement and in the numerous national recognitions earned by the Commonwealth's public schools;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize May 7-11, 2012, as VIRGINIA TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.