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Kottkamp honors teachers in Naples stop
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Kottkamp honors teachers
Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp presents a declaration for Florida Governor Charlie Crist honoring teachers at Pine Ridge Middle School on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, in Naples, Fla. Kottkamp honored teachers for their efforts in educating Florida's youth, bringing the state's ranking to seventh in the nation for education.
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Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp’s stop Tuesday at Pine Ridge Middle School had very little to do with politics.
Instead, it was all about education’s often-unsung heroes — teachers.
More than 360 students and teachers, along with several Collier County school officials including School Board members Richard Calabrese, Kathleen Curatolo, Steve Donovan, Board chairwoman Linda Abbott and Chief Administrative Officer Mary Ann Gemmill attended the 30-minute event that was part of Teacher Appreciation Week.
“It was good, because you got to learn how your teachers are serving you better,” said sixth-grader Garrette Parsons, 11. “And you need to take pride in (teachers), because they are teaching you because they want to ... not because they have to.”
The statewide celebration of educators runs through Friday.
Kottkamp, who strode into Pine Ridge Middle’s multi-purpose room to the sounds of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” urged students to thank their teachers and reiterated that they are the state’s future.
“We have a lot to celebrate and a lot to thank our teachers for,” said Kottkamp. “Every teacher has an incredible commitment to your growth, not only as a student, but as a person. “
After his speech, Kottkamp presented a proclamation from Gov. Charlie Crist in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.
A standing ovation greeted Pine Ridge Middle School science teacher Sharon Lea, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of Collier’s roughly 3,000 teachers.
“It’s a very large honor, because there are so many wonderful teachers,” said Lea, who joked she was picked to accept the proclamation because she was wearing a suit and subsequently teared up after thanking Kottkamp and everyone at the event.
Encouraging words aside, in an interview following the event Kottkamp acknowledged that the $66.2 billion budget the Florida Legislature recently approved did mean belt tightening for educators.
He said that for education veterans it was not something new.
“For the teachers that have been around for a while, this isn’t the first time that this (type of cut) has happened,” said Kottkamp, after the event. “And you know what, they still come in to work every day because they love to teach and they love the children.”
Kottkamp said that the governor’s office recognizes that teachers are dealing with tough economic times and that the state would continue to be supportive.
However, he said, the state will bounce back quickly.
“Better days are ahead in the state of Florida, in the economic perspective,” said Kottkamp.
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teachers- the " unsung heroes"! " We really appreciate your dedication to this profession and how you sacrifice for our children but I am sorry- we can't pay you a decent wage in this the most expensive and affluent county in Florida"! " If you want to make some good bucks you should have gone into ADMINISTRATION"!
#1 Posted by biomanogt on May 7, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So you all see the hypocrisy of this, too???
;-)
#2 Posted by Optipess on May 7, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GatorHater07 ~ you are so right...this guy is a hippocrate!!! How does someone sleep at night...matter of fact...how can anyone sit through that "photo op" without asking the question...why does Tallahassee treat education like it's the lowest priority??? Take your "pat on the back photo op" Lt. Governor elsewhere.
#3 Posted by CELTLUV on May 7, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree what a total hypocrite! If he is so concerned about the teachers and the education of Florida's young then where was this guy when all the cuts were being made to the education system of this state. He and his boss are nothing but liars promising all along that the school would be held harmless.
#4 Posted by swfl_ff on May 7, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe this guy had the nerve to show up, at a school, and insult every teachers intelligence by holding that ceremony. Thanks, keep up the good work, but don't expect a lot for it.
#5 Posted by nordic154 on May 8, 2008 at 6:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw the photo op picture in the paper this morning- is that Donovan in the background? Isn't he a full time EMT? Where does he get all this free time to have his picture taken with " important" people. I'm sure our little Stevie has his eyes on a future in politics. Unfortunately, it ain't gonna happen!
#6 Posted by biomanogt on May 8, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe his trip to Pine Ridge had something to do with the teachers' collective bargaining effort "No Teacher Left Behind". Are the parents finally putting some heat on the state now that it is affecting them and their children more directly?
#7 Posted by slivingston on May 8, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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