In this season, where we traditionally take a moment to give thanks, I’m writing to express my personal gratitude. I want to thank you for the commitment you’ve made to your students as a local SkillsUSA advisor, as well as for your dedication to educational excellence in our nation’s public school system.

What you do as a teacher is so important to our country.  At a time of turmoil in the world, it gives us all hope to know that you and still nurture dreams for the future. More than ever, the work you do within your classroom or lab is being recognized as critical to the United States.  Just last week at ACTE in Nashville, I heard the assistant secretaries of education and labor, the National Governors Association as well as representatives of industry speak of the power that Career and Technical Education and organizations like SkillsUSA have in the lives of young people.

Here at SkillsUSA headquarters, we’ve always held that the continuing efforts of teachers for their students are the most important part of our organization. In the images that have unfolded since the downturn in the global economy, everyone is seeing the need for the skilled workers who built this nation and will help lead it out of recession and keep it strong.

Thank you for making a choice to have SkillsUSA as part of your educational program this school year. This membership offers your students opportunities for personal growth, and the rewards can be measured in the number of lives being changed for the better.

Again, as we enter this time of thanksgiving and reflection, I want you to know that you have my personal thanks, appreciation and respect for the work you do. I send you my best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a rewarding and productive school year!

Sincerely,

Timothy W. Lawrence
Executive Director
SkillsUSA