Dear Friend,

Every year, during the first week of May, parents and students across the state work extra hard to honor and appreciate educators for National Teacher Appreciation Week. While our schools are not in session currently due to the pandemic, we are finding creative ways to send our appreciation.

Just as these educators have been doing cartwheels to support student learning during this pandemic, I hope you will take time this week to write a card, send an email, or send flowers to someone who supported your learning or your child's learning.

I come from a family who didn't read to me. I showed up at school with a survivor mindset, but not much experience being a patient student. However, teachers caught me up enough to make it to graduation and earn the loyalty cup (my high school's highest award). I went on to be the first in my family to graduate from college.

Were it not for the relationships I had with teachers who believed in me, and held high expectations of me, not much would've been possible in my life, and I certainly wouldn't be where I am today.

As we all adjust to the new normal, our educators are stepping up with creative ways to make sure students like me don't fall through the cracks. I am alive and where I am today because educators had my back, so in Congress, there is no doubt that I will have theirs. I know they will continue to push the boundaries of how best to educate our precious seed corn, our children.

Educators are the thread in the fabric of our strong Alaskan communities. The foundation of democracy is an educated people. Let's all take time this week to reach out to someone who has supported our learning or our child's learning to recognize their work and say thank you.

With Gratitude,

Alyse

P.S. If you want to learn more about how educators are adjusting to the new normal, watch my recent town hall with educator and National Education Association Alaska President, Tim Parker.