Staff across the Finley School District gathered for their first district-wide PLC (Professional Learning Community) on Wednesday, December 11 to hear a message of positivity before they head out on winter break.  The 2013 National Teacher of the Year, Jeff Charbonneau, presented a powerful, uplifting message to teachers and staff about all the things that they are doing right in education.  His message was a perfect reminder for local educators about the power they have to influence our youth:  "The real thing that we do as educators is give kids hope."

Charbonneau, a Zillah High School science teacher, was named the Washington State Teacher of the Year and then the National Teacher of the Year in April 2013.  Coming from Zillah, Charbonneau understands too well the opportunities and challenges that accompany education in a rural district.  Yet, his message does not focus on the challenges or overwhelming initiatives that face teachers today.  Quite contrary, Charbonneau argues that "The system is NOT broken."  Schools have many opportunities for change, and this begins by realizing that teaching is not about the subjects that appear on a report card, but about the real life lessons taught.