Margaret Mead said, ìThe best way to learn is to learn from the best.î Congratulations to the following Association members who were recognized and honored as Teachers of the Year on October 17, 2002:
Cathleen Robinson – Disney Elementary
Linda Wolf – Edison Elementary
Trish Vosper – Emerson Elementary
Paula Thomas – Bret Harte Elementary
Cheryl Elm – Jefferson Elementary
John Spence – Miller Elementary
Katherine Colvin-Marvin – Providencia Elementary
Lori Pacino – Roosevelt Elementary
Karin Anderson – Stevenson Elementary
Dorothy Hernandez – Washington Elementary
Sandra Cavalheiro – McKinley Elementary
Attending the Board of Education meetings in the last year has been an arduous task that has often left me languid and dispirited; however this one night when I was able to see our colleagues get the recognition they deserved, I felt proud and invigorated. Seeing our profession and professional organization, BTA, represented by these exemplary educators reminds me of all that is right in Burbank.
That is why it is even more crucial for the Board of Education to truly honor teachers in a way that is worthy of the best. We need to be paid a professional salary that is comparable to what some of our neighboring districts are paying their teachers. The Board of Education must not garner monies and hide behind the ìgloom and doomî of the economy. They must look at the millions in some of the accounts and reprioritize.
where and how money is spent. They must continue to foster more of a reciprocal relationship with the city. When teaching in Burbank becomes a top rated place to work, teachers will stay and build a career here and others will follow.
I would like to add that I am grateful to Katherine Colvin-Marvin and John Spence because, on top of everything that they do, they unselfishly advocate for teachers through their active involvement in BTA. Last of all I want to thank all of you for tireless efforts and diligence. In spite of the adversities and challenges we face, whether it be reconstruction headaches and glitches, endless assessments, large classes, added duties, or finding a decent copier on campus, you are the best of the best!