Al's Farewell Letter

Dear FWCS Teachers,

I want to personally thank you for and all that you do for FWCS and your students. Not a day goes by that you don't always put your students first. Despite the attacks on the teaching profession and public schools, you continue to fight back and use your ability to make a difference in your students’ lives.

As you may have heard by now, I am retiring from FWCS at the end of February after 38 years with FWCS. The last 6 years I have served as your FWEA President. I want you to know that I am humbled by the support you have trusted in me as your President. Each and every day I have tried to do the utmost to represent and fight for FWCS teachers. The past several years have been a roller coaster ride for public education reform at the National, State, and local level. My ride is about to end, yet those of you remaining in the profession will still need each other to fight back the next wave of reforms and attacks on your profession.

You have the collective power to be responsive and relevant to the challenges that lie ahead. Only through your collective membership and FWEAʼs leadership can a pro-active change come to the teaching profession. The reality is that change is inevitable and you hold the key. The key is your involvement with the change process. By you becoming involved with your local and state organizations and educating yourself and your co-workers you will be better prepared to find the course of action needed for your careers to survive and to thrive. Your collective common sense of purpose is your most important weapon to help you accomplish great things. FWEA and ISTA are member-driven organizations. Without your membership there would be no teachers’ organization. The power of collective action of any group should never be diminished.

Teachers need to rally and believe they can and will make a difference. As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

FWEA’s 1st Vice President, Julie Hyndman, a veteran teacher from Lincoln Elementary, will be FWEA’s next President. Julie has served on numerous FWEA, ISTA, and NEA committees and has been in numerous leadership roles and will do a great job. Julie is only a phone call or email away to help FWCS teachers. Please support her in this transition.

Farewell my fellow educators.

Sincerely,
Al Jacquay