JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s chief executive lauded the work educators do on Monday at a banquet dedicated to those who stand out in the profession.
Gov. Mike Parson, whose daughter is a teacher, was one of the speakers at the 2020 Missouri Teacher of the Year banquet.
“Being an educator today is not an easy job. It is a job that takes many hours of hard work and sacrifice,” Parson said in his speech. “Families are different, children are different, and education is always changing, but there is a reason you went into the profession. Everyone in this room may come from a different background but we all have one thing in common when it comes to the work we do: It’s called passion.”
“I am confident with outstanding teachers, like those we are recognizing tonight, our children are receiving the best education possible,” he continued.
This week, Parson also continued his discussion on violent crime in the state. In Kansas City, he chatted with Mayor Quiton Lucas and Police Chief Rick Smith on “working together” to “help make our Missouri communities safer.” The need for more mental health services was also a topic.
And, actually talked guns & realistically shared how gun violence is affecting our communities and the need for policy change. Finally, sought support on zero-fare bus transit & how it can create more opportunities for ppl in all #KCMO neighborhoods. More progress ahead. Good mtg
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) October 22, 2019
While in Kansas City, Parson also met with Rep. Richard Brown and several community pastors and leaders. Additionally, he connected with Veterans Community Project and Jason Kander to learn how the group is helping veterans.
On Wednesday, Parson spoke with the Missouri Senate Republican Caucus on 2019 successes and the 2020 session.
Throughout the week, Parson made several stops across the state to tour bridges that will be replaced through the Focus on Bridges program.
@GovParsonMO talking with @MoDOT_KC District Construction Engineer about Route J over Crooked Creek. pic.twitter.com/xfhOMtfGU3
— MoDOT Kansas City (@MoDOT_KC) October 23, 2019
Wrapped up today’s bridge tours with @MoDOT at the Ladue Road bridge at Hibler Creek in Creve Coeur.
At 91 years old with average daily traffic of 9,000 vehicles both ways, this bridge is a major route for the area & MUST be replaced to ensure safety & access going forward. pic.twitter.com/oThXUXo30o
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 23, 2019
Wrapped up today’s bridge tours with @MoDOT at the Ladue Road bridge at Hibler Creek in Creve Coeur.
At 91 years old with average daily traffic of 9,000 vehicles both ways, this bridge is a major route for the area & MUST be replaced to ensure safety & access going forward. pic.twitter.com/oThXUXo30o
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 23, 2019
As one of the nation’s largest & lowest-funded highway systems, Missouri currently has 909 bridges in poor condition and $8 billion in unfunded transportation needs.
We’ve made outstanding progress to our bridge infrastructure this year, but we still have a ways to go!
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 23, 2019
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
