John –
Today is Teacher Appreciation Day, and you can count me as someone infinitely appreciative.
(And that's not just because I am married to a teacher.)
I had teachers throughout my life who made a difference , who helped me understand and learn better, who gave me confidence in my abilities, and who just plain cared for me. Today, I want to share some of the teachers who, if I had my own Teacher Hall of Fame, would certainly have a spot there.
Judy Bergren (3rd & 4th grade teacher). She was so kind, and every day we looked forward to going to class. She and I still keep in touch!
Bud McDonald (7th grade & high school). Not sure how I would have gotten through those "difficult" years without his always-available ear.
Al Bauer (high school history teacher). Al became my second father and most important mentor. He served in the legislature with great distinction for 30 years and I am grateful for the time we were able to serve together in the chamber. He passed away three years ago and I miss our regular phone calls.
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(This photo is a few years old now, but on the left is Al Bauer and on the right is Judy Bergren. Both were amazing teachers and both witnessed my many shenanigans as a student!)
Larry Clow (high school chemistry teacher). Brilliant teacher. Great guy. Paula and I spontaneously dropped by his home in Vancouver several months ago and had a wonderful visit.
Dave Milne & Oscar Soule (college professors). Oscar and Dave were my first professors at Evergreen State College in 1971 and I still see them. Spectacular teachers and equally good people.
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(This picture is of me, Dr. Dave Milne (on the left), and Dr. Oscar Soule (on the right) — my professors at Evergreen.)
(BTW, for those keeping track, both this pic and the other one were *obviously* taken more than 50 years after they were my teachers!)
All these teachers, and so many more, made all the difference in my life.
Great teachers are the foundation of strong schools, a robust economy, a resilient democracy, and a healthy civil society . Each day teachers arrive at school before the sun is up and show their dedication to our students and communities. Their commitment to mentoring and learning not only gives our next generation of leaders and innovators the skills they need, but also inspires them to use those skills.
That's why it's important that we elect people to office who will support our teachers and our schools, because we need to demonstrate the same commitment to our teachers that they showed each and every one of us.
And it's also why I support our teachers; out of gratitude for all that my teachers did for me and for the valiant work of the tens of thousands of teachers in Washington state.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day, I hope you are able to honor an important educator in your life today.
Denny
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