Teachers are the Real VIPs

 

Thank you is not enough to express the gratitude that I feel towards the committed, driven and compassionate teachers who serve our county and our community.  You give so much and do not get the near the glory that you deserve.  If you no one has told you lately, you are the real VIPs in this crazy space in which we currently live.

 

As I think back over the last two years, it seems impossible that we are still grappling with how to stay in school and how to keep everyone safe.  What I know for sure is that no amount of PPE or sanitizing is enough for teachers to be able to do all that they do each and every day.  So let me just say that I value you and appreciate you.  You matter.

 

I am sorry that you may not always feel the love as leaders, parents, scholars and even elected officials take you for granted and expect you to do the impossible.  Yet you persist.  Your resilience is inspiring to me and I am grateful that our scholars have such incredible examples and role models.

 

If you are a veteran teacher, thank you for staying the course when you could retire and go home.  We still need you.  Our new teachers need you as much as our scholars.  Your contribution to our profession is unmatched.

 

The political climate of our community, state and nation does not always lend itself to kind words and gratitude.  That is so unfortunate. Teachers, you deserve to be celebrated and recognized.  You deserve to be able to work with dignity in safe and supportive schools.  Teachers deserve to feel valued.  Teachers are heroes and are the real VIPs in this crazy space.  Thank you!

 

In other news, if you are interested in working as a substitute teacher or security officer, we may have a job for you.  Our human resources team will be glad to share more details about these positions and other vacancies.  We are excited to say that our team members are paid well above the average salary of surrounding school districts.  Come be a part of Team Selma!

 

With the uptick of positive Covid-19 cases, we are working hard to keep our schools open.  Our scholars need to be in school and we will continue to monitor the data as decisions are being made.  Vaccinations are encouraged and there are many opportunities to get that shot in the arm.  That is our best mitigating factor to decrease positivity rates and reduce the severity of symptoms.

 

Please check out our social media and website for Covid-19 testing and vaccination clinics. We will also continue to update our reporting dashboard to keep you informed.  Stay tuned for additional routine updates and please reach out if you have suggestions or needs.  For now, I encourage you to continue to engage in our “Doing Our Part Everyday” campaign.  Let’s slow the spread of Covid-19.  Stay safe and be DOPE.

 

For more information, please reach out to me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.