Letter To The Editor: 'Hynes Embodies The Qualities We Desire Most In Those Charged With Educating Our Children'

To The Editor:

The recent dip in temperatures and spike in campaign signs dotting the autumnal
landscape, remind me that the November 8th school board elections are mere weeks away. Pat Hynes, a teacher, running for the Hunter Mill District seat has taught both my children, giving me a unique opportunity to see her in action.

As an educator with 25 years of teaching experience, I have seen the best and worst in public education. Pat embodies the qualities we desire most in those charged with educating our children. She is knowledgeable, energetic, compassionate, and dedicated. Electing Pat Hynes to the school board will allow the larger community to harness these qualities.

Pat is effective at forming the all-important bridge between parents and the
classroom. She cultivates relationships with parents, communicates news of the
classroom through frequent letters, and solicits parental involvement. Not all
teachers have the skill to integrate parent volunteers or the confidence to welcome this type of transparency. As a former president of her children’s preschool and elementary school PTAs, Pat has a demonstrated belief in bringing schools and families together. This type of proven outreach is what the community needs from its school board members

Pat’s understanding of our educational challenges is not just theoretical, but forged in the crucible of our classrooms. She is keenly aware of how educational policies and programs can either spur or thwart student achievement. Her perspective will provide valuable insight for other board members with less practical experience.

Pat abandoned a lucrative career as a lawyer to become an educator. In these
difficult times, that type of commitment, understandably, is becoming rarer. So
when someone as competent and diligent as Pat Hynes offers her services to the
community, we should accept.

Beckie Anderson
Vienna, VA