 You have the power to change the narrative for families, for generations to come. That's what it means to be an educator. We never know where a teacher's influence ends. The NEA Foundation does a wonderful job in recognizing, celebrating teachers in such an unapologetic way. What the NEA Foundation does is say, we believe the work that you're doing. We believe in the lived experience and the expertise that you have to offer. And we want to make sure that you are the one who are leading the work for public educational equity. There are many things at stake. And I think the biggest is the high standards in the educational system. We need a foundation or a program like this to elevate our voices on issues that matter to educators, the students we serve in our community. The NEA Foundation does a great job of bringing like-minded educators together. People who are committed to things like equity, who are committed to things like inclusion and diversity who are committed to making change not just within their classrooms but at a broader systemic level. We need students to see themselves and their teachers. We need educators who are there every step of the way and who are there to see their students of where they come from and also relate to their students. Because every child in our classroom is asking these three questions. Do you see me? Do you hear me? That's what I say, mean anything to you. The NEA Foundation's mission to promote the absolute best in public education matters because public schools are our future. Public education is the building block to an equitable society.