Dear Teachers and Staff, 

As many times as I can thank you for all that you do, I know it will never be enough. What you do is impossible, yet you continue to do it every single class, every single day, and every single year. I receive a lot of insight from my wife, who has been a special education teacher for 17 years. I make it a priority to reach out to teachers and staff throughout the school year to get a better understanding of how I can be of service. The perspective I get from those working in our schools as a trustee is invaluable, and I always find that educators are eager to learn about the perspective of the school board. I love being around those who dedicate their lives to serving our students. We always share a lot of laughs, hugs, and sometimes tears.

I have personally been a witness to what teachers and school staff do for children. My parents were not involved in my education. It was common for teachers to call me at home to check in on me. In high school, I had a coach who would buy me clothes and find me odd jobs so I could afford to eat. There were so many teachers who challenged me while giving me the confidence to be the best version of myself. 

I always tell people that if you want to know how students are really doing, don’t ask a test. Ask the teacher, the bus driver, the cafeteria worker, the custodian, the paraprofessional—the people who see and care for our kids every single day.

As a society, we must do a better job of supporting our educators who are working to shape the next generation. Too often, we see the challenges in our society blamed on our schools, yet those same people turn right around and ask schools to solve all of society’s problems. More teachers are leaving the profession, and fewer young people are entering education for various reasons. We must work together to break this cycle that endangers the foundation of having an educated society.

One of the greatest ways we can show our appreciation and respect for our educators and staff is to roll back excessive government mandates, give them the tools they need to do their jobs, and ensure they receive great pay and benefits. No one dedicating their life to serving students should struggle to support their own family.

There is a truth that every single school employee in Texas should understand: Together, you have the power to create change, not only for your students, but for your own profession. When you stand together, legislators take notice because they understand that together, you have the votes to demand better. Your ability to create change is not limited to the classroom or the school building. It exists in the State Capitol. It exists in Washington, D.C. It exists in your local government. Your advocacy and your vote are powerful tools, and I always encourage you to use both.

Make no mistake, as educators, you do the Lord’s work. You take children as they come. You educate them. You care for them. You love on them. I see the support you give them inside and outside the classroom, on the bus, in the cafeteria, in the hallways, and beyond. You are molding the next great generation of great Americans. You truly are difference makers.

I will always be there to fight for you, as you have always been there for me throughout my entire life.

It would be an honor to have your support, and your vote, to continue supporting you in Growing Greatness in Aledo ISD.

Always,

Forrest