WHEREAS,  public schools are the backbone of our democracy, providing young people with the tools they need to maintain the State's precious values of freedom, civility and equality; and

WHEREAS,  by equipping young people in Maine with both practical skills and broader intellectual abilities, schools give them hope for, and access to, a productive future; and

WHEREAS,  in nurturing the academic, social, emotional and physical development of students, teachers are the single most influential factor in students' educational experience; and

WHEREAS,  teachers spend countless hours preparing lessons, evaluating progress, counseling and coaching students and performing community service; and

WHEREAS,  teachers have earned and deserve the respect of their students and communities for their selfless dedication to their profession, their communities and the future of our children; and

WHEREAS,  Maine has always recognized the value of great teachers by supporting professional development and through the Maine Teacher of the Year program; now, therefore, be it