In 2014, the Georgia Council for Social Studies was honored to host Representative John Lewis as keynote speaker to our annual state convention.  In his speech that day, Rep. Lewis did not champion his many accomplishments. He did not use the opportunity to campaign. He did not promote a sponsored bill. No. In his speech that day, John Lewis honored not himself, but the selfless work of the teacher. He spoke of the power of a teacher to change a life. He spoke of the power of a teacher to inspire a future. He spoke of the power of education to change the world. It should not surprise anyone that John Lewis would champion the power of education and the teachers who chose teaching as their career.  The child of sharecroppers, John Lewis overcame many obstacles to make it to school every day. The school he attended was not meant to raise leaders; it was meant to meet the minimum standards for schooling as provided by laws meant to separate but never equalize.  However, within those walls, John Lewis was given the tools needed to change his own life. He was inspired to dream of a future for himself beyond the fields of the farm. He was empowered to believe that not only could he have that dream but that he could help others achieve that dream, as well. As we know, John Lewis would accomplish all those things. In his speech in 2014, John Lewis revealed that the secret of his success lay within the walls of that small schoolhouse and within the heart of his teacher. Let us never forget the power we have as educators. Let us never forget that every child, regardless of obstacles placed in their life, has a leader within them. Somewhere in your class this year is the next John Lewis. Now, maybe more than ever, let us be ready. 

Tammy Ponder, Past President, GCSS