Letter to the Editor

Elect White as District 59 state representative

Originally submitted for publication in the Oldham Era

Dear Editor,

I am writing to support Stephanie White for State Representative for Kentucky House District 59. Dr. White is currently my son’s ninth-grade algebra teacher. Her influence on my family made me consider the attributes that distinguish a good teacher from an exceptional one.

A good teacher is well-trained with years of studying, preparing and mentoring with other teachers, alongside many hours of specialized classes. They spend countless hours presenting subjects to their students in a variety of ways in an attempt to reach multiple types of learners in the classroom. Furthermore, they provide feedback to the students, rewarding those who successfully understand their subject and providing consequences to those who don’t.

An exceptional teacher, however, truly enjoys the process of learning and seeks opportunities that challenge them to be an expert in their field. They use this knowledge to inspire and encourage their students and other professionals around them. They find joy in the challenge of reaching all the students in the classroom, regardless of their level of investment or skill in the assigned materials, and are intentional in their feedback to build self-esteem and confidence. This feedback includes positive reinforcement in areas they know are important to their student, building a bond of trust. When they are particularly successful, this confidence bleeds over into other areas of the student’s life, making lifelong improvements in mental health and the student’s "inner voice."

Stephanie White is an exceptional teacher. I know because she is currently meeting all of these attributes in my son’s ninth-grade algebra class. Her approach to teaching and communication has reached him in ways no other teacher has. I believe her influence on him will affect the trajectory of his educational and personal self-esteem in very meaningful ways. It is these attributes, as well as her wealth of professional experiences, that indicate she would make an exceptional representative for District 59.

Sincerely,

Laura Hoagland of Prospect