Va. gov proclaims Year of the Teacher

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - Gov. Bob McDonnell has proclaimed 2013 to be the Year of the Teacher.

The proclamation is part of the governor’s ALL STUDENTS initiative and will feature programs and special recognition of teachers throughout Virginia. For more information, visit  www.ALLSTUDENTS.Virginia.Gov .

As part of Teacher of the Year, citizens are invited to share stories of teachers who inspired them to learn by sending in a 100 word essay to K12Education@governor.virginia.gov. The contest will run through Jan. 30 and submissions will be shared on the initiative’s Facebook page .

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

THE YEAR OF THE TEACHER

WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers are entrusted with the education of the Commonwealth's children; and
           
WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers strive to instill a love of learning in and out of the classroom; and
           
WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers seek to open students' minds to new knowledge and ideas while laying a foundation for life-long learning; and
           
WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers model good citizenship by making positive and lasting contributions to society; and
           
WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers fill many roles as motivators, explorers, mentors and listeners; and
           
WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers, through academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities and social interaction, lead students to develop independence, discipline and character; and
           
WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers work tirelessly to increase learning and achievement and to help each student meet the Commonwealth's high academic standards; and
           
WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers help students to develop and reach their goals while recognizing that each student is an individual with different needs for growth and success; and
           
WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers' commitment to academic excellence is reflected in increasing student learning and achievement and in the numerous national recognitions earned by the Commonwealth's public schools; and
           
WHEREAS,  it is crucial that our citizens actively inspire young leadership and provide students with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be competitive leaders in the Commonwealth; and
           
WHEREAS,  Virginia teachers are an essential pillar to developing a world class education system in the Commonwealth;       
           
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize the year two thousand and thirteen as THE YEAR OF THE TEACHER in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the    attention of all our citizens.