COEUR d’ALENE — Teachers do so much more than just teach.
“We are nurses, entertainers, coaches, magicians, storytellers, referees — and sometimes we even get to teach things,” Tara Gray, a fourth grade teacher at Ramsey Magnet School of Science, told a crowd of about 100 teachers, administrators and education and business leaders from across Kootenai County. “We are in a role that asks us to be everything for everyone and, to some degree, that is the beauty of what we do.”
The crowd came together Wednesday night at North Idaho College for the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s New Educator Reception. The annual reception provides an opportunity for educators who are new to the field or just new to North Idaho to network and get a warm welcome from the business community.
“It is incredible for our teachers to see that they’re supported in the community they’ve joined,” said Coeur d’Alene School District Superintendent Shon Hocker. “That is powerful. Having community support makes their jobs easier.”
The Coeur d’Alene School District named Gray the 2024-25 Elementary Teacher of the Year. While addressing her peers Wednesday night, she emphasized that their individual strengths, as well as their weaknesses, contribute to a rich learning environment.
“Schools are ecosystems and it is the diversity that each of you bring to the jungle that allows us to develop thriving cultures and collaborative communities,” Gray said. “And like the wildlife of the jungle who live unapologetically unique, when you bring your own personalities, talents and preferences and share them with the rest of us, we all are richer and better people for it.”
Molly Howard, a first grade teacher at Northwest Expedition Academy, was one of the educators who attended the reception. After doing her student teaching at NExA, Howard said she’s glad to be back at the same school this fall.
“I’m living the dream,” she said. “It’s the best. I love first grade.”
Howard attended Coeur d’Alene schools as a youth. Now she’s come full circle as a teacher.
“It’s great to be a part of (the Coeur d’Alene School District),” she said with a smile. “They take care of us. I’m grateful to be here.”
Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber President and CEO Linda Coppess said the business community showing support to the education community is only natural. The two spheres are more closely connected than they might appear at a glance.
“Our students are the future of our businesses, our community and our economy,” Coppess said. “A thriving economy is only possible when we have a thriving educational system.”
That includes all types of schools, she said — public and private schools, faith-based and home schools, trade schools and traditional colleges and universities.
“I am so proud that our community offers so many choices for our parents and students,” Coppess said. “Each plays a vital role in preparing our future leaders, workers and community members.”