Thank You, Teachers

As summer moves to a close, families and teachers begin to prepare for children to return to the classroom. Hopefully, this school year will look much different than the last.

Families and students have endured significant hardship in the past year. Virtual learning may have been necessary for a time, but national test scores showed how vital it is for students to be in the classroom to succeed. Parents and families were stretched to their limits staying indoors and too many parents were unable to go to work when children were unable to go to school.

I am grateful to every educator who worked diligently to keep children engaged with their lessons. During my Hometown Heroes tour, I visited an elementary school in Dierks, Arkansas, to honor Todd and Lori Finley, who serve in the school as a teacher and an administrator. Lori and Todd navigated substantial challenges including a significant lack of sufficient broadband for virtual learning. Despite these challenges, Todd and Lori successfully maintained the children's quality of education while keeping students and faculty safe.

As we navigate yet another transition, I want to thank the teachers who have worked so hard for the children of Arkansas' Fourth District, and we look forward to a great school year!