The beginning of the school year is always filled with excitement and anticipation. Educators are hopeful that the new year will bring much success for their students but are clear-eyed about the many challenges that exist.

Congratulations, you have made it through another very challenging year. Just when we thought this school year might be a little easier, Mother Nature decided to throw us some curve balls: endless snowstorms and blizzards.

During the legislative session, there are many bills that your SDEA Lobbying team review to determine whether SDEA will take a position to advocate for or against.

There are two times in the year that we make a special effort to thank our public-school educators. In November we have American Education Week and then in May we have teacher appreciation week. Considering everything that our educators are going through, I am not sure that is enough.

I was recently asked the question: What is your message to educators who seek to be “excellent”? After some thought, I decided my message is that every educator is an excellent educator in their own way, but you can’t do it alone.

Welcome back to another school year. I hope you had an opportunity to recharge over the summer and are ready to take on the new school year with much enthusiasm.