Joann DesLauriers, Hoover Elementary first grade teacher, was recently named a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for Oklahoma . She is just one example of the national and state accolades Bartlesville Teachers earn annually.

Without question, few other professionals touch the lives of as many people as teachers do. This week, Bartlesville Public Schools joins thousands of school districts across the country in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week. For this event, t eachers in communities across the nation will be in the spotlight as students, parents, school administrators, and communities celebrate the many ways dedicated teachers impact the lives of their students.

Education is a basic element in individual growth and the growth of our city and state. This is a week to take time to honor our educators and recognize the lasting contributions they make, and have made, in all of our lives. Our teachers are role models, motivators, mentors, listeners, and very often, our friends. Their influence shapes our lives long after our school days are over.

Those in the education profession today face many difficult obstacles in and outside of the classroom. Not only must teachers overcome the challenges of limited school budgets and reduced state funding, their work is under scrutiny as state mandated testing continues to expand. This year fourth grade students will be added to the rigorous testing schedule, in 2006 sixth and seventh grade students will begin state testing. While state testing is one method for determining a student's success, it is only that: one method.

Our teachers work diligently to help their student's achieve success on all levels of education and in life. Coupled with the rigors of state testing, teachers must continually be learning new skills to hone their craft.

New technology and teaching methods are available and in order to capitalize on these opportunities teachers will take additional classes or workshops during evenings, weekends, or throughout the summer. Many will take this new knowledge and skills and mentor colleagues at their school site, helping to bring the best instructional methods and teaching skills to all of the students at Bartlesville Public Schools.

We are proud of the many accomplishments of our approximately 440 certified staff. BPS seeks to attract and retain the highest quality staff and to ensure all classrooms are positive environments for learning. Currently, BPS employs 17 National Board Certified Teachers. This national recognition program sets rigorous standards for educators, requiring more than 500 hours of work over a one-year period. Several teachers throughout the district are presently in the process of certifying for this honor.

Every year BPS teachers are recognized locally, statewide, and nationally for their achievements in the classroom. The strength of Bartlesville 's teaching staff is a key ingredient in the overall success of the schools.  In the words of Horace Mann, teacher advocate and who some consider to be the father of American public education, "Teachers teach because they care. Teaching young people is what they do best. It requires long hours, patience, and care."

The state legislature has passed a long overdue bill which will increase Oklahoma teacher's salaries to bring their salaries up to the level of our surrounding states. As our legislators finalize the funding for this mandate, we are pleased they are recognizing the valuable contributions our teachers are making to today's students and tomorrow's leaders. Every day, in and out of the classroom, the teachers of Bartlesville Public Schools are Striving for Excellence !