If you think you know, there is no room to learn. Sharing perspectives and listening to others is part of the learning process. Education is an adventure and we construct the journey together. Most importantly there has to be support for the teacher by her or his family and school. So tonight I would like to acknowledge my support systems.
Family support is essential.
Remember, teaching is a lifestyle. My daughter Wendy has been my strongest supporter for many, many years. Teaching is just too difficult without the support of loved ones. And good teaching requires the support of the school administration. When I was hired to develop an optional program for our majors who wanted to be high school teachers, the support of David Elliott, former chair, and Timothy Hegstrom, current chair, along with members of our department teacher education committee, made it possible to go through the arduous process of University and State program approval.