MOUNT VERNON — What matters most to educators? What directly impacts students? And why, no matter how old you are, can former students remember their elementary teachers?
These questions and more were asked during the 2022 Educators Breakfast that welcomed teachers, superintendents and presidents from educational institutions across the county.
This was the 19th year the Knox County Chamber of Commerce has hosted the early morning event, Chamber Executive Director Carol Grubaugh said, and it was held at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
“It’s wonderful to have educators in the room,” Grubaugh said. “(We) understand the importance of supporting educational institutions.”
President of Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) Dr. John Berry touched on how the fully chartered college is planning for Intel’s expansion in Columbus, noting “there’s an awful lot of energy behind it.”
Berry also touched on his fondness for teachings and his past teachers.
“You remember your elementary teachers,” he said. “You [teachers] make a difference. Even on days you feel like you don’t you still do.”
Fredericktown Superintendent Gary Chapman spoke about the importance of building relationships between business industries, schools and higher education institutions.
“That’s what makes us all better,” he said. “It’s so needed…partnership strengthens us and allows us to move forward with all our kids.”
Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s (MVNU) President Dr. Henry W. Spaulding echoed Berry’s remarks, touching on his experience being in the classroom.
“Many of us know the joy of seeing a student’s face light up” Spaulding said.
The MVNU president also told the audience about his personal connection to teaching.
“My most important teacher was my mother,” he said. “She implanted a love for learning in me.
“Education requires blood, sweat and tears. A mind capable of seeing beauty and wisdom.”
