Families hurry towards Forest Hills Elementary School for the first day of school on Sept. 5. (Staff file photo)

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, so the Lake Oswego Review reached out to the Lake Oswego Education Association and asked how to support local educators as they deal with budget cuts and other challenges.

Lake Oswego Middle School sixth grade teacher and student support specialist John ‘Waz’ Wasielewski answered some Teacher Appreciation Week questions by email. Some answers have been edited for clarity.

Lake Oswego Review: Each year students want to show appreciation for their teachers, but I was wondering how families and community members could show support for all teachers this year?

Wasielewski: Every year is a challenging year for teachers. We are often overworked, underpaid, and under-supported. This is often not the fault of school districts. Due to Oregon’s unique school funding system, most of the funding for schools comes from the state level. Therefore, the number one way to support teachers materially and professionally is to advocate at the state level for increased funding for schools. Oregon has never funded its schools to the level that the government’s own Quality Education Commission says it needs. Oregon underfunds its schools at the state level by over $1 billion. Even if the governor’s current increase passes the Legislature, funding will still be a billion dollars short. Electing pro-public educators who are staunch advocates for education, contacting and pressuring your Senators and Representatives, and getting involved in advocacy around school funding issues are the number one way to help all teachers and improve the quality of education for our kids at the same time.

Review: Is there an area of statewide advocacy, whether that be calling legislators and knocking on doors, that you think can support teachers this session?

Wasielewski: Absolutely, There are several bills working their way through the Legislature right now that would help teachers. The major one is House Bill 2953. This bill has to do with changing the amount of money that districts get reimbursed for special education. Districts are mandated by law to provide services, which are expensive, but are only reimbursed up to 11% of their operating costs, even if they go over that amount, which LOSD does at 15%. This would not only give more money to districts, but it would free up other money to be used in other areas, not just special ed, which means electives and sports too. This bill has a $500 million price tag, and it is not clear if it is going to make it into the budget. It would be worth the time and energy to make sure that every legislator understands the importance of this bill and make sure it passes.

Review: How can kids get involved in supporting teachers?

Wasielewski: Kids can get involved in doing some of the heavy work with PTA/PTOs. These organizations do amazing work and are the backbones of a school support network. These organizations support their educators as much as they can, but they would do more if they could. Student /parent collaboration in supporting those organizations helps support the whole school, through extracurriculars, clubs, and teacher appreciation days. Helping to support the whole school and therefore, helps us indirectly.

Review: What do you think you learn from your colleagues? How are you showing appreciation for your peers?

As a newer educator, I feel like I’m always learning from colleagues. There is so much knowledge over the years that they can share and transfer to the younger generations of teachers. I find the best way to get this learning is through sharing lunch with them, whether it be in the breakroom or in their classrooms. I personally try to show my appreciation for my colleagues through heartfelt notes. I feel this is a great non-monetary way to let them know that I care and value them. Most educators deeply value getting cards and notes so I try to do them whenever I can.