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.

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

WHEREAS, In 2008 President Obama said: “The single most important factor in determining student achievement is not the color of their skin or where they come from. It's not who their parents are or how much money they have. It's who their teacher is”; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia owes our teachers a deep level of respect and gratitude, who, despite being constantly asked to do more with less, continue to selflessly dedicate themselves towards providing our children with all the educational opportunities they deserve; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize and honor Philadelphia's school teachers for their dedication and selfless commitment to the education and lives of young people throughout Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Jerry Jordan as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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