* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Holton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
In Honor of Baltimore City Public School Teachers on National Teacher Day - May 9, 2006
FOR the purpose of recognizing the many contributions local educators make to our children and our lives and, in keeping with this year's theme of "GREAT TEACHERS MAKE GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS", drawing attention to the invaluable role teachers have in making sure that every child receives a quality public education; and paying tribute to the hard work teachers do to make public schools a positive experience for each and every child on each and every day.
Body
Recitals
The NEA (National Education Association) recognizes that, while it takes a lot of people to make a school a success, National Teacher Day focuses on the teachers who work to make public schools great places for students to succeed in life and chooses this day to specifically honor teachers and to recognize the lasting contributions they make in everyone's life.
In Baltimore City, over 8,000 teachers and para-professionals are members of the BTU
(Baltimore Teachers Union), and it is the bargaining agent for the 8,500 educational employees in the Baltimore City Public School System. The BTU, American Federation of Teachers Local 340 was organized, in 1934, to give teachers a greater role in educational policy making. The 7 founding members believed that a teachers' organization should actively be involved in bettering their working conditions and providing quality education for children.
The BTU has historically advocated for inner city youth, provided State elected officials with an understanding of the special problems associated with providing an education to this under-served and neglected population, and successfully integrated the teaching staff of the public school system. Baltimore City public school teachers have been on the forefront of the fight to secure equal treatment in education for all children.
In addressing the occasion of National Teacher Day, BTU President Marietta English remarked that "as teachers all over this Nation are being honored for the outstanding work they do, I would like to pay tribute to each of you and thank you for your commitment, hard work, and service to the students of the Baltimore City public schools. While this week has been officially designated to show appreciation and celebrate what you do, I want you to know that you are appreciated everyday you enter a classroom and work with our students.
As I visit the schools, I am continuously impressed with the amazing work that our students are doing and the multitudes of techniques employed by you as you perform your jobs. Our children, parents, schools, and society depend on your expertise and dedication if our schools are going to continue to improve, and we at the Baltimore Teachers Union will continue to support you and your students as you strive for Excellence."
Like the officials of the BTU, the City Council, and the citizens of Baltimore recognize that our teachers are facing extraordinary challenges. It will take all of their special skills and talents to help to transform our schools into centers of educational excellence. It will also take all of the support that we as elected officials, parents, grandparents, community members, and spiritual leaders can give to our teachers. It is an awesome responsibility, and we salute those on the front lines of the fight to Save Our Schools.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body hereby recognizes the many contributions local educators make to our children and our lives and, in keeping with this year's theme of "GREAT TEACHERS MAKE GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS", draws attention to the invaluable role teachers have in making sure that every child receives a quality public education; and pays tribute to the hard work teachers do to make public schools a positive experience for each and every child on each and every day.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Chairs and Members of the Baltimore City Senate and House Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly, the President and Members of the Baltimore Teachers Union, the CEO of the Baltimore City Public School System, the Chair and Members of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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