It was a good idea that community leader Tamara Tateosian thought would be well received.
To show their appreciation for Callaway County educators, the Callaway Chamber of Commerce will hold a county-wide teacher appreciation breakfast this year.
"We're here to support them," said Tateosian, who is executive director of the chamber. "To me, it was just, how can we get all the teachers together and show them we appreciate them?"
The event will be at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 6 at 54 Country, 400 Gaylord Drive in Fulton. Every teacher from all schools in Callaway County is invited.
"The chamber and the business community is really excited to have this opportunity to thank the teachers and school administration in Callaway County," Tateosian said. "We want to thank them for a job well done and help kick off a great school year for all of Callaway County."
She said she belongs to a group of chamber officials on Facebook that shares ideas.
"There's a lot of us from around the country and around the world, and a lot of us share ideas," Tateosian added. "When thinking about what we could do for teachers, it leads me back to workforce development, and educating teachers on what kinds of jobs are available in the community."
The chamber hosts career and job events and also takes school counselors and teachers to tour local industries.
"We want them to know the chamber and businesses are behind them; we're here to support them," she said. "We have to find ways to help the community engage with teachers, and teachers engage with the community."
In addition to being treated to a networking breakfast with prizes and giveaways, teachers also will be addressed by a leading voice in American education today, Gene Wilhoit, executive director of the National Center for Innovation in Education.
"He is very passionate about education and new ways to educate K through 12 students," Tateosian said, adding his goal is to rally area teachers before the start of the 2018-19 school year.
As keynote speaker, Wilhoit will offer practical advice and inspiration for educators. He has dedicated his career to improving K-12 education through creating dynamic, personalized learning for all students. His principles focus on teaching students not just knowledge and skills, but also those habits of mind that will make them successful learners; on improving our methods of measuring learning; and on getting students outside the classroom through technology-based and community-based learning.
Formerly the executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers and former Kentucky Commissioner of Education, Wilhoit has also served as director of the Arkansas Department of Education, a special assistant in the U.S. Department of Education, and executive director of the National Association of State Boards of Education.
Special guests have been invited and special activities planned, Tateosian added.
"There's some surprises, so if they come, they're going to be part of it," she said. "I think this is going to be a really great event."
Attendees should register by calling the chamber at 573-642-3055 by Aug. 2.
Every teacher who attends will leave with a special "swag bag" containing items they will find useful. Donations are being accepted. So far, Tateosian has 32 sponsors for the event, she said.
In addition to other supporters, the following businesses, organizations and individuals have committed to supporting the breakfast as "district" level sponsors: Fulton Public School Foundation (Fulton), Gracia and Mike Backer and New Bloomfield Historical Society (New Bloomfield) and Young's Welding (North Callaway).
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For sponsorship information, contact Tateosian at 573-642-3055 or [email protected].