To the Editor:

Nov. 12-18 will mark the 85th annual observance of American Education Week, which presents all Americans with an opportunity to honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education.

The weeklong celebration spotlights the varied groups of people whose skills are critical to building great public schools for the nation’s 50 million K-12 students.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Great Public Schools; America’s Right, and Our Responsibility,” highlights the importance of bringing together teachers, school staff, parents, students and community members in a unified effort to build great public schools.

During this week, we celebrate the many unheralded efforts and interactions that take place between children, parents, and teachers.

The importance of this work cannot be underestimated. When partnerships between our teachers and parents are strong, our children’s chances of success naturally increase.

Today’s teachers do more than teach basic skills. They nurture and inspire children. They help students learn essential skills, such as critical thinking, conflict resolution, cooperation, and problem solving, all of which assist students throughout their lives.

We all know however, that no school is without problems. There are always areas upon which we may improve.

That’s why we initiated our reading program, the Alabama Reading First Initiative, which has gained for Dallas County Schools, statewide and national recognition for excellence. That’s also why our Career Center for Technical Studies has been recognized by the business community for excellence, through industry certification.

Parents, I invite you to visit your child’s classroom and learn for yourself how you and your child’s teacher may work together, towards their ultimate success.

If you do not have children, please consider visiting your nearest public school and observe today’s educators in action. Ask what you can do to contribute to a child’s success.

As professional educators, we are proud to make a difference in the lives of our Dallas County System students.

Fannie Major-McKenzie Ed.D, Superintendent

Dallas County Schools