Teachers, it’s Election Day! Be sure to vote!

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Today is Election Day! Elections are the one thing that separates a democracy from a dictatorship. Elections give people the right to control who their leaders, remove them from office without the need for a revolution, and make decisions that affect society as a whole. Voting on election day is a great way to show our appreciation for these rights. Teachers know that elections are important for democracy. Without the election process, our democracy could not function.

As citizens, we should continuously strive to make our society better. We face many issues, and the only way we are able to fix them is to work for positive change. Voting is the best way to work for the changes we want to see occur. So, casting your ballot today will help to ensure a better future.

Voting is a privilege, but more than that, voting is a responsibility and a duty. To ensure the protection of our rights, we need to stay informed on the candidates and the issues, and then vote!

Every vote matters. Encourage others to vote too. Start with your friends, family members, co-workers, or colleagues, explaining to them the importance of voting and why every vote matters. If your students are of voting age, you can encourage them to cast their ballots. Teach them how to register, but, of course, we all know that we must be careful not to influence them in their choices of candidates or issues. No matter what age your students are, show them a good example. Let them know that you consider voting a civic responsibility, and that you will be voting today!

Finally, remember that living in a democracy does mean we always get our WAY, it means we always get our SAY. If the outcome of the elections is disappointing to you, accept the results for now, and know that you will have another opportunity to make the changes you would like to see in the next election.

Happy voting!

Teacher Anne Burnes McDonald also served in the Connecticut State House of Reps

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Former sixth grade teacher Anne Byrnes McDonald served in the Connecticut State House of Representatives. Photo Credit: Boston.com News

Many fine classroom teachers are also distinguished politicians. One of these is Anne Byrnes McDonald, an elementary school teacher from Connecticut who also served her community in the State House of Representatives.

Anne was born in 1933 in Syracuse, New York. As a young woman, she attended Le Moyne College, a private Jesuit college located in DeWitt, New York. There she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Later she earned her Master’s degree in Education from Syracuse University.

Once she earned her degrees, Anne accepted a position teaching sixth grade, first in Syracuse and then in Ardsley, New York. In addition to teaching children in public schools, she instructed adult learners who were learning English as a second language. After she relocated with her family to Stamford, Connecticut, Anne was elected to the Stamford Board of Education, where she served from 1979 to 1986.

Anne inaugurated her career as a politician in 1990, when she was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Connecticut House of Representatives. There she represented District 145 from 1990 to 2003. In addition to representing the Cove, Glenbrook, and East Side of Stamford in the General Assembly, the former educator also served as the House Chairman of the Public Health Committee and the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.

Throughout her life, Anne volunteered for a number of local and statewide organizations. She served eight years on the City of Stamford Commission on Aging; three years on the Connecticut Advisory Board on Aging; four years on the Stamford Housing Authority; and four years on the Housing Development Fund Board. She also served four years on the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education.

In 2003, Anne was forced to resign from her position in the State House and withdraw from her philanthropic positions because of failing health. Sadly, she succumbed to cancer on Oct. 3, 2007. She was 74 years old.

Patricia Morehead-Morris: Nebraska teacher and state Senator

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Many talented educators have also served their communities in public office. One such teacher is Patricia Morehead-Morris, a public school teacher who also served in the Nebraska legislature.

Patricia was born July 21, 1936, in Falls City, Nebraska. As a young woman in 1954, she attended first MacMurray College, a private college located in Jacksonville, Illinois, and then the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1958.

Once she earned her degree, Patricia moved to Beatrice, a small town located about 45 miles south of Lincoln, Nebraska. There she taught in elementary and secondary schools, both public and private.

In 1982, Patricia was elected on the Democratic ticket to serve in the Nebraska Legislature. She represented District 30, which covers Gage County and southeastern Lancaster County, between the years from 1983 to 1988.

In addition to her work in the legislature, Patricia was involved in many philanthropic organizations. She belonged to the Gage County Democratic Women; the Philanthropic and Educational Organization; the Blue Valley Home Economists; the American Trap Shooting Association; and the sorority Upsilon Omicron, Chi Omega.

 

 

PE teacher Lisa Cohen of NYC garners 2022 Big Apple award

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Physical education teacher Lisa Cohen from Queens, New York, has garnered a 2022 Big Apple award. Photo credit: NYC Department of Education

I always enjoy sharing stories about exceptional teachers who have earned recognition for their work in the educational community. One of these is Lisa Cohen, a physical education teacher from New York who has garnered a 2022 Big Apple Award.

Lisa teaches pre-K through fifth grade students at PS 91 in the Borough of Queens in New York City. She says her goal is to create supportive environments that meet her students’ specific needs. To this end, she adapts and adjusts her instruction to challenge her students so they can move forward at a comfortable pace. She provides instruction in multiple ways, making use of technology, visuals, support staff members, and even her own students to help demonstrate skills and concepts. She has created routines that are high energy, fun, and contribute to creating a great learning environment.

Not only does Lisa work for the benefit of her young students, but she also engages the entire school community in physical education activities through field days and other physical activity opportunities. For example, when schools were closed down at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa offered morning fitness opportunities virtually for students, staff members, and parents. Because of her efforts, the PS 91 community was provided with positive lifelong practices that helped all of them remain healthy and active during the shut-downs.

In addition to teaching physical education, Lisa leads the fourth grade inquiry team, and has developed school-wide professional learning opportunities for her fellow educators.

Lisa was one of five educators from Queens and 20 teachers from throughout New York City who received a Big Apple Award in 2022. This is the tenth year that the awards have been distributed in a citywide recognition program to celebrate New York City’s public school teachers. The recipients were nominated by district leaders and principals. Mayor Eric Adams congratulated the honored educators  for their dedication and commitment to changing the lives of New York City students. “Being a teacher isn’t always easy, but you all have shown up as selfless and caring individuals who devote themselves to the well-being and progress of our students. Thank you!” Adams said.