John: It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week! 

Before I was a Congresswoman and state legislator, I was a teacher. I taught history and social studies at Marlboro Elementary, Guilford Central School, Flood Brook School, and the Community College of Vermont. I also taught library studies and tech at Washington Village School. 

There is no job more important than the one teachers do. Sure, we teach curriculum and help students learn important material – but we also mentor, coach, support, engage, inform, and mold the next generation of informed citizens. 

There’s no doubt that the past few years have fundamentally changed the jobs of America’s teachers. Over the course of the pandemic, we watched as they stepped up to do the impossible: Diving head-first into remote learning, endless zoom meetings, constant phone calls with parents and kids – all while having to look out for their own health and safety on the job.

America’s teachers have gone above and beyond their job description to deliver quality education to the next generation – and they continue to do so today.

So during this Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s not just thank our educators and school personnel – let’s commit to continuing the fight to make sure they get the respect, fair compensation, and safe and healthy schools they need to help their students thrive.

Thank you, teachers!

– Becca Balint 

P.S. If you’re reading this email, it’s likely that there was a teacher who changed the way you thought about yourself, your potential, and the world around you. If you are able, I strongly encourage you to reach out to the teacher or educator who comes to mind for you, and let them know how they impacted your life!