This post is a tribute to teachers. The main text (Third paragraph) was published at Huffingtonpost.com at May,8 2012 and has the title of : " Open letter to teachers on teacher appreciation day." And was written by Antonio Villaraigosa - Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. The others texts, the source is indicated in the end of paragraph. All paragraphs are summaries from original text.
The day on which teachers`day is celebrated varies from country to country. In the U.S.A. is celebrated during the teacher appreciation week, on the first week of May. Teachers`s day are distinct from World Teachers`s day which is officially on October,5. National Education Association ( NEA ) describes national teachers`day as " A day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives. " NEA is the largest labor union in the U.S.A. representing public schools teachers, universities staffs and others, has 3.2 million members. ( Wikipedia.org )
On October,15, 1827. Dom Pedro I issued a decree creating the elementary school in Brazil, descentralizing the system and putting compulsory subjects and rules of teachers` recruitment. But was only in 1947 that happened the first celebration on this date. Becoming a national holiday after 1963. ( Portaldafamilia.org.br )
There is a japanese proverb that says, " Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher". Almost everyone has a story about a teacher who has touched his or her life. Just like so many politicians, entrepreneurs and surgeons, I am who I am today partly because of a great teacher. After dropping out of school, I found my way back in Herman Katz`s English class. Mr. Katz believed in me even when I did not believe in myself. Teachers devote their lives to giving our children the tools to succeed and inspire them to do it. If teachers challenge them, and encourage them to stand up for their values. Teachers will teach them the importance of constitution, they will show the next Carlos Santana how to strum a guitar, and demostrate the scientific method to the bright student who will cure cancer. The simple truth is that, as a nation, we must invest in a strategy that places value on the contribution that teachers make to our collective future. Teachers attrition rates are far too high, and given that they are the builders of our future, losing even one good teacher is too many. We must continue to expand career and leadership opportunities, that allow teachers to develop their practice, foster a school culture, and empower them to innovate. Moreover, any efforts to brighten our nation`s future must be built upon a deep appreciation for their incredibly important work. On this teacher appreciation day, I would like thank you for your countless hour, your sweat and tears, and your relentless commitment. And I would also like to thank you in advance for inspiring the next generation of amazing teachers.
Appreciation - recognition of the worth, gratitude.
Diligent - careful and conscientious.
Stand up - speak or act in support of.
Strum - play a guitar by sweeping the thumb up and down.
Foster - encourage the development of.
Foster - encourage the development of.
Attrition - gradual wearing down through prolonged attack or pressure.
Relentless - never stopping or weakening.
Amazing - astonish, surprise greatly.
Amazing - astonish, surprise greatly.
