Students deserve teachers like her

I had the honor of being taught by Kay Powers at Cascade High School. I was taught in her classroom in a manner I hope my children will be someday. Kay is a passionate and dedicated educator who gave me gifts that continue to bear fruit today. I learned to listen to and respect opinions that oppose my own. I learned to evaluate information beyond its face value. Most importantly, I learned how to learn. Without her tutelage, my education and my life would be cheapened. Kay deserves to be held up as an example of how teachers can change students’ lives for the better. She is a warm, brilliant and ultimately caring teacher who serves her students with a most inspiring character.

If the Everett School District continues its attempt to end her career, it would cheapen the educational opportunities for all its students. Truly, those who have had the privilege to be a student in her class would voice the truth, that their lives have been impacted by this woman in a most measurable way. I implore the Everett School District and Superintendent Carol Whitehead to reconsider this punitive and grossly inappropriate reaction. Their constituents and Kay Powers deserve what’s best for the students. They deserve great teachers.

Justin Graden

Seattle

Cascade H.S. Class of 1999