ALFOND RECEIVES FRIEND OF EDUCATION AWARD

Posted: May 24, 2012 | Education and Cultural Affairs, Senator Alfond

AUGUSTA—The Maine Education Association (MEA) awarded State Senator Justin Alfond the MEA 2012 Friend of Education Award for his leadership and achievements in the Maine Legislature. The award was presented during the MEA’s awards banquet held in Portland on May 19th.

 

Sen. Alfond and MEA President Chris Galgay

 

“It is an honor to be recognized by the MEA. Now more than ever, the work of the MEA is critically important to our students, our classrooms and our schools,” said Sen. Alfond of Portland, who also serves as Assistant Senate Democratic Leader. “Because of the radical agenda of the LePage administration, public education is undermined and undervalued. As lawmakers, teachers, parents, and students, we must all work together to strengthen our classrooms and foster an environment where every student has a chance to reach their potential.”

The MEA Friend of Education Award recognizes an individual currently holding an elected or appointed public position and currently making a significant contribution to public education. Sen. Alfond currently serves on the Education and Cultural Affairs committee.

MEA President Chris Galgay presented the award to Sen. Alfond and said of Alfond, “His focus has always been on fulfilling the state’s promise of a high-quality public education for every Maine student and for ensuring that educators have the funding and support needed to do the job right. Senator Alfond was a staunch advocate for public education and for doing what was right, not what was politically expedient.”

Sen. Alfond was the lead sponsor of two MEA initiated bills that were adopted:

 

  • LD 1781, a National Certification for Professional Teaching Standards bill, that rewards teachers who complete the prestigious program and,
  • LD 1770, a Parental Power bill, that requires school districts to develop and implement a program to involve parents in the schools and classrooms.

 

“In classrooms across our state, Maine students are succeeding because of the dedication and hard work of their teachers,” said Alfond. “Our teachers are a vital part of our state’s economic equation by preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs. Our economic future relies on the classroom successes of today.”