Senate Resolution 45

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING BLAKELY FORE OF GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, FOR BEING NAMED AN EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATOR FOR 2020 BY CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES.

WHEREAS, Curriculum Associates created the Extraordinary Educators program to celebrate and connect Best in Class teachers from across the nation; and

WHEREAS, the 2020 Class of Extraordinary Educators includes an elite group of 31 teachers from across the country who illustrate growth and achievement via formal assessments, demonstrate classroom innovation and engagement practices for students, are evangelists for high standards and student achievement, and exhibit best-in-class use of i-Ready and/or Ready instructional resources designed by Curriculum Associates in their classroom; and

WHEREAS, Blakely Fore, of Gulfport, Mississippi, was named as an inductee of the 2020 Class of Extraordinary Educators, as she personifies the ideals that Curriculum Associates sets forth with the program; and

WHEREAS, Blakely received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Masters in Elementary Education degree from William Carey University; and

WHEREAS, Blakely has spent twelve years teaching in Mississippi, is in her eighth year with Biloxi Public Schools, and currently teaches fourth-grade English language Arts at Popp's Ferry Elementary School, Biloxi, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Blakely received her National Board Certification in Literacy-Reading and Language Arts in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Blakely's passion for teaching comes from her understanding of the many obstacles her students face before they enter the classroom. "I always knew I wanted to work with children, so I began my career hoping to become a counselor for children. After working in the field of children's case management, I realized that I would have a better impact in the lives of children in the classroom. Coming from a background in children's case management, I worked with students every day who had many struggles in life. I often felt that I was not making a difference with the students I worked with. Teaching truly gives me the opportunity to impact student lives. I am so fortunate to come to a job every day that I love so much"; and

WHEREAS, Blakely believes being a teacher is not just about teaching academic skills, but teaching her students that through a positive mindset, they can do anything: "The reason I love teaching is for those light-bulb moments, when students who are struggling, begin to understand a concept for the first time. Those are some of the best moments in the classroom"; and

WHEREAS, Blakely loves serving as the K Kids Club sponsor at school, where she enjoys sparking students' interest in service projects and how they can help their communities; and

WHEREAS, as being inducted into the 2020 Class of Extraordinary Educators, Blakely has received recognition locally and nationally, has gained access to a network of peers from around the country, earned professional development opportunities, and will have the opportunity to attend the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit in Boston, Massachusetts:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Blakely Fore of Gulfport, Mississippi, for being named as an inductee of the Curriculum Associates 2020 Class of Extraordinary Educators and extend sincerest wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Blakely Fore and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.