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Welcome Letter

Dear Colleagues,

As the new Florida Department of Education’s Teacher Liaison, I want to welcome you to Just for Teachers; I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with you. The recent stormy weather across Florida once again reminded me that teaching requires amazing amounts of flexibility and creativity. I was impressed as I observed my sons’ teachers cope with closed roads, late arrivals, overflowing playgrounds, and last minute changes. These women and men worked together to make the first day of school special, in spite of less-than-perfect circumstances.

Just as my sons’ teachers worked together, I hope that we, too, can do the same. As your teacher liaison, my goal is to provide a direct communication between you and your Department of Education. Throughout the year, pertinent information will be made available through this Just for Teachers Web site— http://www.fldoe.org/justforteachers. This site will clarify education legislation and statewide programs that affect you as a Florida educator. Through Web site surveys, regional discussion panels, and state-wide roundtable discussions, you will have the opportunity to have a direct impact on educational policy.

The Just for Teachers Web site is also where you will find numerous resources to help with the day-to-day challenges of teaching. Resource links will direct you to other educational sites, provide important information beneficial to all teachers, and describe opportunities for professional development, as well as let you know of incentive programs offered throughout the state. In addition to the Web site, the Just for Teachers newsletter series will resume later this month. This newsletter, sent via e-mail, will keep you up-to-date on the latest state-level initiatives and programs, and will inform you of opportunities to present feedback and suggestions.

Remember that I am here to provide you with a constant connection to the Department of Education. Please feel free to contact me at anytime with your questions, feedback, input, and ideas. All the best as you begin the 2008-2009 school year, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Sheila R. Veatch
Teacher Liaison