SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 389 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 10, 2007 Commending Susan W. Evans.  ---------- Patron-- Reynolds ----------

WHEREAS, Susan W. Evans, an outstanding mathematics teacher at Rural Retreat High School of Wythe County Public Schools, is the Region VII Teacher of the Year 2007; and

WHEREAS, the Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Department of Education in cooperation with corporate sponsors, recognizes teachers who represent the best in teaching across the nation; and

WHEREAS, Susan Evans earned a bachelor’s degree at Villanova University, received a master’s degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, completed her doctoral coursework, and is certified to teach advanced mathematics by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in Young Adult Mathematics; and

WHEREAS, before coming to Wythe County Public Schools seven years ago, Susan Evans taught mathematics at the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Science and Technology; and

WHEREAS, Susan Evans feels that “the high school is the root of the community” and is committed to increasing the involvement of the school’s neighbors and businesses to work together to expand learning opportunities for all of the young people of Wythe County; and

WHEREAS, an innovative educator, Susan Evans has been invaluable in efforts to increase mathematics scores on the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests by teaching an after-school remediation program and organizing an annual mathematics night; and

WHEREAS, Susan Evans established a program that allows students to take a practice SOL test to boost student confidence and introduce them to a simulated SOL testing environment; and

WHEREAS, Susan Evans added a dual credit pre-calculus course that enrolled 47 students, a very impressive number for a small high school; and

WHEREAS, as a direct result of Susan Evans’ hard work and innovative new programs, student SOL mathematics scores have increased to a rate of over 70 percent, enabling Rural Retreat High School to receive state accreditation; and

WHEREAS, Susan Evans feels it is very important to be a mentor and role model for her students, but especially for young women, who at times need encouragement to take higher-level mathematics courses and to consider a career in mathematics; and

WHEREAS, concerned with the overall well-being of her pupils, Susan Evans began a health and fitness club to address the growing problem of obesity in young people in the public schools and to make it fun to exercise and make healthy food choices; and

WHEREAS, a gifted teacher who always puts the welfare of her students first, Susan Evans uses her many talents and great enthusiasm to instill the joy of learning in her students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Susan W. Evans on her well-deserved recognition as Region VII Teacher of the Year 2007; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Susan W. Evans as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration and gratitude for her commitment to the young people of Wythe County and the Commonwealth.