Thursday, May 28, 2020

Sam Graves: Celebrating teachers and the Class of 2020

(From Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves)

As Teacher Appreciation Month as well as the school year comes to an end, it is important to recognize not only our teachers, but also our students as well. Both overcame unparalleled challenges this year to ensure learning continued, even without a classroom to meet in.

In March, schools in Missouri stopped meeting in-person due to concerns with COVID-19, something that no one could have seen coming. Our teachers had to adapt quickly to ensure that each child’s education continued unimpeded. They’ve gone above and beyond to make sure our students are still getting the education they need, through take-home lessons and online classes.

While many parents already understood the difficult job our teachers undertake each day, they have now learned first-hand what an incredible job our educators do. After months of supervising schoolwork full-time, I know most are more than ready for their kids to be back in a classroom when the time comes!








Earlier this month, I introduced a resolution in Congress with my colleague from Iowa, Rep. Dave Loebsack, to honor teachers.

The resolution recognizes the contributions of America’s teachers to building and enhancing the Nation’s civic, cultural, and economic well-being. Unlike previous resolutions, this one noted the incredible ways our teachers have stepped up during this pandemic, going above and beyond to support their students and communities during these extraordinarily challenging times.

While the year was very difficult for our teachers, my heart also goes out to our students, particularly graduating seniors. So many milestones occur in the final year of high school that our students look forward to for their entire lives. From final sports seasons, to Prom, to graduation, the Class of 2020 will remember this year for very different, unfortunate reasons. However, I trust they’ll still hold their heads high and I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish as they enter their next chapter.

This school year might have looked different, but the work of our teachers in the lives of our students, and the outstanding 2020 graduates they helped produce in spite of the challenges, deserve our celebration and recognition. Thanks to our nation’s teachers and congratulations to the Class of 2020!

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