Grow Our Own Week

WHEREAS, the Alabama 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 a 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 programs are 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 experience 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 Education Association and the Alabama Department of Education 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 February 10 through 14, 2014 as

Grow Our Own Week

in the state of Alabama and encourage local boards of education, business and industry professionals and all education organizations statewide to participate in this special celebration through activities that demonstrate the importance of the teaching profession and the opportunities it provides for Alabama’s students to achieve their dreams of academic excellence, personal achievement and future career success.