Cheers to education

COEUR d'ALENE — The Coeur d'Alene School District's 2024 Teacher of the Year encouraged his colleagues to raise a glass and celebrate.

"Cheers to a great first month of school," Lakes Middle School math teacher Marcus Ross said Wednesday evening during the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber's New Educator Reception, just as dusk settled and an abrupt thunderstorm rolled out of town. 

He said at this point in the school year, teachers have many things on their minds, such as the lessons they'll teach today and if students are grasping what they're teaching.

"Maybe you still need to cut those task cards into groups, or maybe you're feeling anxious if that student will show up hungry to eat another glue stick, or if this student will get upset about not being the line leader, or possibly upset with you because you asked him to get out a pencil. That happened today," Ross said as a few in the crowd knowingly chuckled.

He asked his peers to be present, to enjoy their time with each other and to remember that each day is a new day, filled with energy and excitement.

"This is what teaching is about, right?" Ross said. "Taking risks, trying new things and knowing that if a lesson fails or if your students are still struggling with standards, there is always tomorrow. Each day is the potential moment to be a life-changing moment, teachable moment. Moments on how to tie their shoes, moments on how to be kind to others, moments of understanding that moments to celebrate your success and, even moments, yes, you actually might need to wear deodorant."

He concluded with a reminder that the journey ahead may be filled with challenges and triumphs.

"But remember, you are not alone," Ross said. "Lean on your colleagues, share your experiences and embrace every moment, both the difficult and the joyous."

Teachers, administrators and other education leaders from public, charter and private schools across North Idaho gathered in the DeArmond Building to share in an evening of networking, camaraderie and welcome, organized by the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber Education Committee.

Educators introduced themselves at the mic and listened to words from speakers who shared their gratitude for the work of North Idaho's educators and those who are working to prepare upcoming generations for the workforce.

High school humanities teacher Vita Clute is in her third year of teaching and her first year with Coeur du Christ Academy.

"It's going amazing," she said. "The community has been very welcoming. My coworkers are so supportive, and the kids have been a joy to work with."

Clute previously taught in Spokane but prefers to work in Coeur d'Alene, where she lives. This was her first time attending the Chamber's New Educators Reception.

"It's really beautiful to see educators from every single type of education and coming all together, workshopping ideas," she said.

Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber President and CEO Linda Coppess invited educators and their students to participate in Chamber activities, such as speaker events or volunteering at the Coeur d'Alene Convention and Visitor Bureau.

She warmly thanked teachers and administrators at every level of education for the work they do.

"We support education. Period," Coppess said. "We support a strong education system in our community. That includes public education, that includes charter schools, that includes private schools, that includes trade schools, that includes higher education, early childhood learning. All of that is important in order for our business community to thrive, so we need you and we support you."

    Lakes Middle School math teacher and 2024 Coeur d'Alene School District Teacher of the Year Marcus Ross, left, is introduced by Assistant Principal Aaron Drake during the Coeur d'Alene Chamber's New Educators Reception held Wednesday evening at North Idaho College.
  

    Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber President and CEO Linda Coppess speaks Wednesday evening during the New Educators Reception.
  

    Coeur du Christ humanities teacher Vita Clute introduces herself Wednesday evening at the New Educators Reception at North Idaho College, presented by the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber.