When we stand behind our teachers, we help them create a future of success | Opinion

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day on May 2, I am reminded of teachers’ incredible impact on the lives of millions across our nation and around the world. Teachers not only teach, they also inspire, motivate and encourage our children to reach their full potential. They are the backbone of our education system.

I know this firsthand because I have spent my career in education as a teacher, principal, school administrator, School Board member, state legislator and, now, as a member of the U.S. Congress. And throughout my career, I have seen how education has had the power to transform the lives and future of our children and our country.

I began my teaching career in the early 1970s, at a time when our schools were deeply segregated and underfunded. I’ve taught at schools where we had to fight for basic resources like textbooks and school supplies. Despite these challenges, I was inspired by my students’ dedication and resilience.

As a principal at the now-Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary School, I took a special interest in what many would consider “misbehaving” Black boys. It became my mission to understand them. The more time I spent with these boys, the more I understood that many lacked male figures to set a good example or teach them how to become good men.

That’s when I was inspired to create the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. Many teachers helped me develop this program; they believed in my idea, and what was once considered a small school project is now a renowned national in-school mentorship program that has touched millions of lives.

Those experiences made me realize how important education and mentorship are to break the cycle of poverty and inequality that in which so many of my students were trapped. And I knew that as a teacher, I had the power to help my students realize their full potential.

That passion for education has stayed with me throughout my career. It inspired me to help shape the educational experience for an entire school community. And it inspired me to become a school board member and eventually a member of Congress, where I could fight for policies to ensure that all our students have access to high-quality education.

But as much as I appreciate education’s power, I know it is only possible with teachers. They are the ones who inspire our children to learn, provide them with the tools they need to succeed and help them navigate the challenges of growing up.

But being a teacher is not easy. It can often be a thankless job with few resources and even less pay.

That is why I recently introduced the American Teacher Act, a bipartisan bill that ensures every teacher in America is paid a minimum salary of $60,000. This is a critical step to ensuring that our teachers are paid a livable wage for the incredibly important work that they do.

The current teacher shortage indicates we must do more to support educators. It is crucial that we not only show our appreciation for teachers, but also that we commit to investing in their professional development and well-being.

While I am glad to see the referendums in both Miami-Dade and Broward pass last election to help mitigate some of the shortfalls from the state Legislature, not every county is lucky enough to have a community that comes together to support its needs.

This Teacher Appreciation Day, I thank our teachers for their hard work and dedication. As a community, we must support organizations that fight for teachers’ rights. We should want those who educate our future to have strong contracts, decent wages, excellent working conditions and benefits that provide dignity and respect. This ensures we can have the best in the business.

I am proud of our “A” rated Miami-Dade County Public School System — now the third largest school district in the nation — and to stand with our teachers. Together, we must pledge to do everything to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Our future depends on their success.

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson is the congressional representative for District 24.

This story was originally published May 1, 2023 at 8:33 PM.