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Mount Vernon Schools Superintendent Hamilton Shares Gratitude For Teachers

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. -- I have always enjoyed this quote because it truly embodies the teaching profession: "A child will forever remember the teacher who went the extra-mile to help with an assignment or took the time to ask how things were at home." 

Kenneth Hamilton is the superintendent of schools in Mount Vernon.

Kenneth Hamilton is the superintendent of schools in Mount Vernon.

Photo Credit: File

Teachers are special people because they need not only ensure the academic success of their students, but also act as parent, nurse, therapist, mediator, comedian and a whole host of other titles that we affectionately refer to as, “other duties as assigned.” 

I fondly remember my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Gerstein, who taught me how to tie my shoe on a red plastic boot that sat on the window ledge next to the pencil sharpener. She noticed my determination and made me feel like I was the only kid in her class as she devoted her time to just me for what seemed like forever. 

I remember my seventh-grade teacher, Mrs. May, who kept me after school to practice my penmanship over and over again and then awarded me the Perfect Penmanship Award at the end of the year, which, by the way, I still have. 

My point in sharing these stories is that you never know the extent of your impact. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the teachers of our school district. As teachers, you are the foot soldiers in our quest to transform the Mount Vernon City School District. I do not believe anyone truly understands or appreciates the work of a teacher before they enter the classroom for the first time. 

As a teacher, I can think of no better joy than watching a child learn to spell their first word or read their first book. I can think of no greater satisfaction than being there when a child finally understands long division or figures out the difference between mitosis and meiosis. 

So as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, let us all take a moment to thank our colleagues and friends for all they do for our students and our community. Let us honor them through our words and actions. Most importantly, while this week is set aside to appreciate a teacher, let us learn to appreciate them everyday, for the work they do will impact all of our lives, our community and our world for eternity. 

Kenneth Hamilton,

Mount Vernon Superintendent of Schools

 

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