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2012 SESSION

12103034D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 200
Offered January 17, 2012
Commending Margaret A. Smith.
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Patrons-- Byron; Senator: Garrett
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WHEREAS, Margaret A. Smith, an outstanding eighth-grade English literature teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation in Lynchburg, has been honored as Virginia’s 2012 Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Margaret “Meg” Smith, Region 5 Teacher of the Year, was chosen as Virginia’s Teacher of the Year from eight regional teacher finalists and was awarded the state’s highest teaching honor in Richmond on October 14, 2011; and

WHEREAS, the Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors teachers who represent the best in teaching across the nation and the acclaimed award winners serve as ambassadors promoting the teaching profession and quality education for all students; and

WHEREAS, at a White House ceremony in the spring of 2012, Meg Smith will represent the Commonwealth in the annual Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year program; and

WHEREAS, Meg Smith, who received a bachelor’s degree from The College of William & Mary and a master’s degree from Lynchburg College, has spent her entire teaching career at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation; and

WHEREAS, an enthusiastic teacher, Meg Smith believes passionately in the power of the written word and works with students as they develop their own writing skills and styles through her eighth-grade English literature classes; and

WHEREAS, Meg Smith encourages her students to submit their writing for publication as part of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation’s “Writing Blitz,” an annual event where teachers seek out writing contests and other recognition opportunities for which students can submit their writing; and

WHEREAS, a respected educational leader at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation, Meg Smith serves as chair of the English Department, co-leader for the eighth-grade unit, and leader of the “Achievement Period” committee; and

WHEREAS, Meg Smith also participates in the “iPods in Instruction” grant and provides important insight as a member of the gifted advisory committee; and

WHEREAS, a talented and dedicated educator, Meg Smith epitomizes the vital role that innovative and compassionate teachers play in the education of Virginia’s children; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Margaret A. Smith on her well-deserved recognition as Virginia’s 2012 Teacher of the Year; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Margaret A. Smith as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration and gratitude for her commitment to the young people of Lynchburg and the Commonwealth.