Teachers promised: 'We will succeed' - MassLive.com:
"'We will succeed, I promise you,' Ingram said. 'I believe there is a special place in heaven reserved for teachers and others who dedicate their lives to making the lives of children better. There are plenty of jobs that pay more money than that of being a teacher, but no job in America is more important.'
Ingram said he stands united with teachers, and promised that the 'number one core value is what is best for kids, and kids will always come first.'
Teachers in attendance said the convocation is an uplifting start to the school year, including the speeches and musical performances by students.
'This always kind of motivates me, especially seeing the children perform,' said Sara N. Tourscher, a 6th grade teacher at Duggan Middle School. 'It always brings a tear to my eye.'
'I felt really good,' said Arria N. Coburn, a special education teacher at Springfield Renaissance School. 'I felt we are really equipped this year to go in and start fresh.'
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, chairman of the School Committee, said the city is making physical improvements to the schools, but 'it's really you - teachers, staff and administrators - that make the place shine.' Sarno praised the impact that teachers have on the future success of students.
Timothy T. Collins, president of the Springfield Education Association, said the schools have been under severe financial constraints. The improvements still being made are 'a testament to the energy, idealism and enthusiasm of both the new people to our school district and the loyalty and dedication of our veteran teachers.'"
"'We will succeed, I promise you,' Ingram said. 'I believe there is a special place in heaven reserved for teachers and others who dedicate their lives to making the lives of children better. There are plenty of jobs that pay more money than that of being a teacher, but no job in America is more important.'
Ingram said he stands united with teachers, and promised that the 'number one core value is what is best for kids, and kids will always come first.'
Teachers in attendance said the convocation is an uplifting start to the school year, including the speeches and musical performances by students.
'This always kind of motivates me, especially seeing the children perform,' said Sara N. Tourscher, a 6th grade teacher at Duggan Middle School. 'It always brings a tear to my eye.'
'I felt really good,' said Arria N. Coburn, a special education teacher at Springfield Renaissance School. 'I felt we are really equipped this year to go in and start fresh.'
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, chairman of the School Committee, said the city is making physical improvements to the schools, but 'it's really you - teachers, staff and administrators - that make the place shine.' Sarno praised the impact that teachers have on the future success of students.
Timothy T. Collins, president of the Springfield Education Association, said the schools have been under severe financial constraints. The improvements still being made are 'a testament to the energy, idealism and enthusiasm of both the new people to our school district and the loyalty and dedication of our veteran teachers.'"