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From Iowans to Alaskans, new teachers welcomed to community |
| Updated: August 23, 2010 |
Article courtesy of the Gazette
August 13, 2010
IOWA CITY — Joe Taylor traveled thousands of miles from the last school he taught at in Soldotna, Alaska, to teach at Clear Creek Amana Elementary School in Oxford. The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce felt he deserved something for that effort.
The group awarded Taylor a $50 gift certificate during its annual new teacher luncheon Friday, August 13, 2010, for traveling the furthest distance to educate local students.
Taylor said that his move to Eastern Iowa primarily was inspired by its strong teaching tradition.
“I feel like Iowa’s one of the premiere states for education,” he said.
First-year teachers were invited to the luncheon from Iowa City, Clear Creek Amana and Solon schools, as well as from local private schools, to become acquainted with the local community. Iowa City School District alone has 51 new teachers starting this school year. Taylor wasn’t the only new teacher from out of state. Newly-arrived educators from Illinois, Tennessee, West Virginia and North Carolina also were recognized.
Chamber president Nancy Quellhorst said her organization hosts the luncheon because of the link between having well-educated students and strong, vibrant local businesses.
“There’s compelling research that directly links primary and secondary education with the health of the economy,” she said. Principal John Bacon from City High School in Iowa City spoke with the teachers to encourage them to make it through their first year, which can be stressful and difficult.
“I felt like I had gone off the edge of a cliff,” he said about his inaugural school year.
Despite the difficulties, Bacon said it ultimately pays to stay in education.
“It’s the most noble profession I could possibly imagine,” he said.
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