2016 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 105
BY SENATOR MORRISH
A RESOLUTION
To designate Wednesday, May 4, 2016, as Teacher Appreciation Day at the state capitol.
WHEREAS, public school teachers, nonpublic school teachers, and parents who
serve as home study teachers serve the needs of nearly nine hundred thousand Louisiana
children from birth to twelfth grade; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana teachers serve students in diverse settings including
pre-kindergarten programs, traditional and charter public schools, nonpublic schools,
parochial schools, Montessori schools, virtual schools, home schools, and early learning
centers; and
WHEREAS, the efforts of over forty-seven thousand Louisiana public school
teachers have resulted in tremendous gains for Louisiana students, which for the 2014-2015
school year included leading sixty-seven percent of third through fifth grade students to
score basic or above in English language arts and math, sixty-three percent of middle school
students to score basic or above in English language arts and math, sixty-two percent of high
school students to earn scores of Good or Excellent on End of Course Tests, thirty-three
thousand two hundred thirty-one students to attempt college-level Advanced Placement (AP)
coursework, seven thousand seven hundred three students to earn AP credit, six hundred
thirty students to attempt International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, six hundred twenty-three
to earn IB credit, nineteen thousand three hundred eighty-two students to attempt dual
enrollment coursework, eleven thousand eighteen to earn an Industry Based Credential, and
seventy-seven and one-half percent of the 2015 cohort to earn their high school diploma, the
highest cohort graduation rate in the state's history; and
WHEREAS, teachers are not only expected to be experts in their content and
pedagogical approaches, but also in the individual interests, strengths, and needs of their
students and communities, often teaching multiple siblings, relatives, and generations of
students during their careers; and
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WHEREAS, teachers' responsibilities can extend far beyond those listed in their job
descriptions, and their time commitment can extend far beyond the daily bell to bell; it is not
uncommon for teachers to make extra time for parents before the school day starts, squeeze
in tutoring during the few free minutes of the school day, run clubs or coach sports after
school, chaperone, supervise, or cheer on students during weekends, and instruct students
who need extra help over the summer; and
WHEREAS, teachers often reach beyond their students to ensure that parents,
grandparents, and extended families, who may have struggled in school themselves, receive
the knowledge and resources they desire to help their children in any way they can; and
WHEREAS, while society holds teachers to the highest professional standards,
expecting them to serve as model citizens by demonstrating patience, empathy, and fairness
always, many teachers surpass our expectations by choosing to serve as mentors, counselors,
and even parents when students lack the needed and deserved support; and
WHEREAS, countless Louisiana citizens attribute their professional success and
personal happiness to a teacher who chose to care.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend the dedicated work and contributions of all teachers across the state
of Louisiana; does hereby extend enduring appreciation and gratitude for their role in
shaping the intellect and character of our next generation; and does hereby designate
Wednesday, May 4, 2016, as Teacher Appreciation Day at the state capitol.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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