A thank you to educators.

Jason Kennedy, superintendent, Ludington Area School District

A thank you to educators.

Dear Editor:

As schools and communities recognize this past week as Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week, I have been drawn to reflect and give thanks to those educators who have had such a tremendous impact on my life. I ask that those in our community do the same. While I would be remiss to acknowledge the significant impact that having a loving, and strong and supportive family has had on who I have become, it is important for our community to know that I am forever thankful for the teachers and educators who have had an impact on my life, as well as the entire staff at Ludington Area Schools for the tireless work that goes into keeping kids safe, while also providing a top notch educational experience for our students. The influence that our teachers and staff play as outstanding mentors, role models, and educators, must never be forgotten.

I am a strong believer that people do not achieve success without acknowledging the help of others. Thank you to all of the educators that have impacted my life, and for those at LASD who have impacted the successful lives of so many graduates of our school system. I am reminded of a quote by John C. Maxwell that says, “Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.” It is the work of our staff on a daily basis to ensure that we are helping students find value and purpose, helping them reach their maximum potential, while sowing the seeds of knowledge and wisdom to have maximum impact and benefit to others.

Duke University basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski, sums up the craft of teaching by saying, “The thing that I loved most, and still love the most about teaching, is that you can connect with an individual or a group, and see that individual or group exceed their limits.” This is the work that our staff at LASD does every day, with little recognition or acknowledgment. Our teachers and staff are humble about their work and focused on helping students “exceed their limits.”

The success of the graduates of our district are not achievable without an acknowledgement of the role that mentorship and guidance by our staff has played in that success. I am reminded of a quote from Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog who said, “Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” Passion for teaching and working with students, a love of children, a tireless work ethic, humility, and mentorship of our students are qualities that make our staff and teachers special human beings, as well as educators. These qualities are what our teachers and staff members are.

Educators are everyday heroes that inspire, motivate, empower, and encourage students to strive for greatness. Through experience and commitment to meeting the unique individual needs of all students, they help students realize their full potential to become the best that they can be. I am grateful for the educators who have shaped my life, those that have and continue to help shape the lives of the students at Ludington Area Schools, as well as the educators of our greater community and in schools throughout our nation. Regardless of one’s role within an educational system, every staff member is inherently a part of a team of educators that is dedicated to improving the lives of children and the community, and for that, I am grateful.

As we close our Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to thank educators throughout our county and region for impacting the lives of the students that they serve, while also sending a special thank you to all of the educators in my life who have had a profound impact on me. Thank you for always being a champion for students!

Respectfully,

Jason J. Kennedy

Superintendent, Ludington Area School District

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