Title
Recognizing and honoring the dedication and commitment of Philadelphia's school teachers who continue to fight every day to improve the lives and educational outcomes of young people throughout our City.
Body
WHEREAS, The education of our children is the foundation of Philadelphia's future; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has cut over $1.1 billion in basic education funding; and
WHEREAS, Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education reveals that low-income students on average lost 50% more in state funding than higher income students: $615 in spending reductions compared to $401; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of Philadelphia teachers, nurses, guidance counselors, librarians and support staff have lost their jobs, irreparably damaging our children's access to a quality education; and
WHEREAS, Even though the School District of Philadelphia educates more than 10% of Pennsylvania's public school students, it has been forced to absorb more than 25% of Pennsylvania's educational budget cuts; and
WHEREAS, Despite not having access to adequate resources, our teacher's continue to sacrifice themselves every day for their students, often staying afterhours, working weekends and purchasing school supplies at their own expense; and
WHEREAS, Fifty-Five (55) Philadelphia School District high school teachers were honored as recipients of the prestigious Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished High School Educators. The Lindback Award for Distinguished High School Teachers honors one teacher from every Philadelphia public high school who demonstrates excellence in promoting learning at the highest levels. The award recipients are chosen based on their activities that improve the intellectual and character development of students; and
WHEREAS, Countless studies have shown that when it comes to student achievement and performance, a dedicated teacher has two to three times the impact of any other school factor; and
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