The IEA and its members celebrated American Education Week, November 16-30, with a variety of activities recognizing professional educators and seeking to promote public education. Parents were spotlighted for their involvement (see our story at http://idahoea.org/news/payette-parents-are-plenty-involved/), while ESPs and substitute teachers each had their own designated day of appreciation.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of American Education Week was “Educator for a Day” on Thursday, November 19. IEA members all around the state invited community leaders into their schools and classrooms to see first-hand the instruction that transpires on a daily basis.
Brandon Hampton, a technical education teacher at Les Bois Junior High School in Boise, invited state Representative Ilana Rubel (D-Boise) to attend the district’s inaugural Engineering and Robotics competition. Rep. Rubel witnessed students compete in events such as video game design, catapults, robotics, Auto CAD, and CO2 propelled dragsters. “I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the great work that our students are doing in engineering and robotics,” she says. “The passion that Mr. Hampton and the other teachers pour into working with kids on hands-on projects is exciting and inspirational.”
Representative Ilana Rubel with winners
Representative Paulette Jordan (D-Plummer), visited Lena Whitmore Elementary School in Moscow. She interacted extensively with Molly Pannkuk’s first graders and Lisa Belknap’s second graders, and wrote about it later on her Facebook page.
“I enjoyed every moment with students and meeting with our teachers in Moscow who deserve every bit of recognition for their dedication to educating our children! I am most appreciative of those students in the 2nd and 1st grade who took the time to share their personal stories with me! This inside glimpse certainly gave me a greater understanding and appreciation for what our teachers experience on a daily basis, and it is a beautiful relationship to see.
Blaine County Education Association was very active in “Educator for a Day” activities, with a number of elected officials and other guests visiting schools. BCEA also invited reporter DeSiree Fawn of KMVT/KSVT-TV into the classroom of art teacher Joni Cashman at Alturas Elementary School.
