Mr. Dennis Earl Griner, 2004 Washington State Teacher of the Year, an eleventh through twelfth grade social studies educator at Garfield-Palouse High School in Palouse, Washington. Mr. Griner believes that the conflict and criticism over American public education, at a time with the United States has an unparalleled position of power in the world, has the potential to move the country backwards in national stability and long-term growth.
“We have the resources and we have the finances but we need commitment now. We cannot wait for a booming economy. We cannot wait for full employment. We cannot wait for the stock market to reach new record highs. Children need us now as their voice and as their champions. It has been said, ‘All this is needed for evil to triumph if for good men to do nothing.’ If we, the American people, government officials, and especially teachers do not boldly and confidently step forward to speak out as well as take action, it will be to the detriment of our children.”
The National Teacher of the Year Program designates a representative of the country's teachers from among the Teachers of the Year representing the states, U.S. territories, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense schools. During the year of recognition, the National Teacher of the Year is a spokesperson for the teaching profession, addressing forums and meetings across the country and internationally.
A panel of educators, representing fourteen national education organizations, chose the finalists and will select the 2004 National Teacher of the Year to be announced in April 2004 by President George W. Bush. The organizations represented are: American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, Association for Childhood Education International, Association of Teacher Educators, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of State Boards of Education, National Congress of Parents and Teachers, National Education Association, National Middle Schools Association, National School Boards Association and National School Public Relations Association.
The National Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by CCSSO, a nonprofit organization comprised of public officials who head the education departments in the states, and Scholastic Inc., the global children’s publishing and media company.
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a bipartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.
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