Grow Our Own Week

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Education Association (AEA) have formed a partnership dedicated to encouraging Alabama’s students to pursue a career in the teaching profession; and

WHEREAS, research shows there will be an even greater demand for highly-qualified teachers in the next decade; and

WHEREAS, the Future Teachers of Alabama organization and the TEACH Alabama program are innovative approaches focused on attracting more talented students to careers in the field of education; and

WHEREAS, the Future Teachers of Alabama organization and the TEACH Alabama program are rigorous, progressive and vital parts of Alabama’s total education system; and

WHEREAS, these programs are committed to providing students with opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experiences through internships, classroom observations and project-based learning; and

WHEREAS, Future Teachers of Alabama and TEACH Alabama initiated Grow Our Own Week to give local school systems statewide the opportunity to promote activities that focus on teaching as a career, highlight the important role of teachers and encourage students to consider the field of education as a future career choice; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Education Association will also celebrate the service, dedication and professionalism of Alabama’s current teachers during this special event:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of February 11 through February 14, 2013, as

Grow Our Own Week

in the state of Alabama.