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Beebe exhorts teachers at Delta conference Wednesday, Jun 6, 2007 By Jeannie Nugent Stephens Media PINE BLUFF - Good teachers and quality education will play a key role in shaping the state's future economic development, Gov. Mike Beebe told educators here Tuesday. The governor preached education to more than 400 teachers and administrators at the seventh annual Delta Institute of Professional Development for Teaching and Learning, extolled the value of education exhorted delegates to remain dedicated to their profession despite salary challenges and sometimes strained resources. "Sometimes it's good for folks who are in charge of policy to publicly be able to acknowledge (the importance of teachers) in a way that causes all of you to know that we are with you; we have not forgotten you," he said. "You are integral part of where our state is going to go. I know you don't get enough money. I know you've got headaches galore," Beebe said. "I know you've got to put up with stuff you shouldn't have to put up with," he said, and then paused before releasing a long breath. "Having said all that, we still need you to put up with it ... We need you now more than ever." Beebe briefly touched on tax cuts he championed during the recent legislative session and recent economic developments but focused on the role of education in improving the quality of life for all Arkansans. "You've got to have an economic development policy that allows your people to stay in your state and work. But if you don't have education, you can't attract those economic opportunities in today's world that is so competitive. They go hand in hand," the governor said. This year, the Legislature increased state aid to public schools by $121 million and earmarked $456 million for improving public school facilities en route to last week's unanimous state Supreme Court decision that the state had complied with the court's 2002 order to provide equitable and adequate funding for public education. Budget increases included raising the state's minimum starting teacher salaries to $28,897. Tuesday, Beebe recited national recognition the state has recently received for education, including being among the top states in advance placement courses and increases in AP scores. In one publication, he said, Arkansas moved from the mid-40s on an overall ranking on public education to 29th in the nation. The key to continued success is to build from the foundation, he added, reminding of the fulfillment of his campaign promise to fully fund preschool programs targeting at-risk children. Lawmakers passed the governor's proposal to expand early childhood education by $40 million this year. |
