Chris Lauzen State Senator

August 25, 2005

Back to School

By Senator Chris Lauzen

This has always been my favorite time of year.

I like football, rugby, and leaves changing. But even more than these, I really enjoyed going back to school each year. As a child, when things within my immediate family were not too stable, I was relieved to have the constructive and predictable routine of classes...practice...homework... bedtime. Even after they went their separate ways, my mom taught her children to love learning and my dad made sure that we had the personal discipline to complete assignments.

But, most of all, I liked and admired my teachers. Now, every year I attend the teachers' welcome address given by the West Aurora School District superintendent. Thursday morning Dr. Jim Rydland, who is new to the district, gave his inaugural welcome address to an auditorium packed with teachers, administrators, and support staff members.

You could "feel" the excitement as soon as you walked in. Despite the criticism of the costs of education, a handful of teachers whose enthusiasm and skills occasionally disappoint, and the awesome challenge of trying to teach some kids whose parents don't encourage the priorities and practices of homework and learning, this was a moment when the full-throttle, deep-throated, revved up, wide-open gauge of hundreds of adults who have devoted their lives to creating the best future possible for our children was on display. The new superintendent exceeded even highest expectations!

He began in casual shirt sleeves telling the audience about his dad and mom to whom he owes so much - a father who answered God's call to be a Lutheran minister by becoming a professional salesman and a mom who graduated first in her pre-med class as valedictorian at the University of Missouri but was denied the opportunity to be a doctor and became a compassionate nurse. It was their personalities as he describes both, nurtured by a grateful son, that were funneled through the lavalier microphone to an audience which understood that "love and respect" for others is what this "new guy" values above all else.

Then, Dr. Rydland flipped up on the screen a couple of pictures of himself from college and started one of the most entertaining stand-up comedy routines poking fun at himself-tinted glasses in Seattle (where it always rains), bushy reddish-brown hair (where now there's a bit less!), leisure suit, some kind of shell necklace if I recall correctly, etc. Basically, the obvious message was that teaching--with the right attitude--is fun. And, when our teachers are excited and having fun, it's certainly more likely that students will be attracted and drawn into lessons.

He referred to an envelope that had been distributed to each participant as they came into the auditorium. Many of us had not had the chance to open these because we were greeting and catching up with old friends and making new friends before the program. But, inside the envelope were postcards of pictures of graduating classes from district schools from the late 1800's and early 1900's. His point of sharing this tradition of excellence goes back a long way. It's important to continue it and improve on all the work done by all the people who have gone before us. Jim was touching that part of each teacher's heart that reminded him or her of why they chose the teaching profession in the first place.

Finally, there was slide program of teachers, students and parents set to music where the theme was "You raise me up to become more than I thought I could be."

Each of us plays a crucial role in the education of our kids and our neighbor's kids. I'm not exactly sure that I know where the second installment of this year's property taxes are coming from, but I know that it's a privilege to support so much good work. And, I say that recognizing that there are some disappointing results and some waste in every public system. Dr. Rydland quoted a verse that perhaps he's very familiar with, but that I had never heard, "If it's and but's were candy and nuts, what a sweet world this would be!" So, no excuses, we can do better.

When I first met Dr. Rydland, he told me something that deeply impressed me. He said that he's convinced that our public school system can compete and attract every child in our district. "School choice", structured properly, is not something that threatens or damages education in Illinois. Successful competition proves its quality and becomes the sources of its pride and legitimate self-esteem.

So, let's get back to work!