An open letter of invitation to Premier Christy Clark.
Dear Christy:
I'd like for you to meet my sister. She's an extraordinary woman, not just because I think so, but because she has chosen a profession that she is truly passionate about. Like thousands of teachers across British Columbia she has chosen to care for, nurture, inspire and teach our future — our beloved children.
Growing up, my brother and I knew our sister was destined to be a teacher. The desk at the front of our imaginary classroom was always reserved for her.
You will often find her before school, during lunch and after school helping children who may be struggling - never wanting any of her children to fall between the cracks.
Each morning she comes to school with the hope that she can spend more time with each child individually, to ensure that each child reaches their full potential - but with increasing class size and the changing composition of her classes, she knows in her heart, it's just not possible.
Christy, this is what my sister is fighting for - she needs the support from our government so that she can spend more individual time with her children - she wants to create a better future for all of our children.
Countless hours of her free time — weeknights and weekends — are spent marking homework, preparing for projects, planning for the weeks ahead and corresponding with parents.
She happily volunteers after school hours so that students can attend events or activities. Every year, she spends hundreds of dollars out of her own pocket to pay for supplies that the government no longer has the budget for.
While working at various schools in the Lower Mainland she has brought breakfast, lunch and snacks for children who would otherwise go without all day.
Shopping with this woman is a task in itself. She has reached celebrity status amongst her students, past and present - each one excited to see their teacher out of the classroom, each one breathlessly giving her the Coles Notes version of their weekend.
As I stand in the background, proudly looking on, I realize the substantial impact my sister has had on these children — the substantial, positive impact all teachers have on their students, myself included.
I know my words are not unique — they will resonate with thousands of teachers across our beautiful province.
You see, Christy Clark, my sister is extraordinary, not just because I think so, but because her unfailing love and dedication to each and every child that passes through her classroom door every morning has inspired me to write this letter to you, our premier, our leader.
To my sister, I stand beside you — always. To the teachers of British Columbia, you have my support — 100 per cent. Thank you for teaching and inspiring our beloved children — our future.
Cheryl Watkins
West Vancouver
