LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ashli Skura Dreher upon the occasion of
her selection as the 2014 New York State Teacher of the Year

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the efforts of individuals in the teaching profession who
distinguish themselves by their dedication and commitment to their
students; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ashli Skura Dreher upon the occasion of her selection as the 2014 New
York State Teacher of the Year; and
WHEREAS, This highly selective and prestigious award is a testament to
Ashli Skura Dreher's educational philosophy, her performance in the
classroom, and her tireless efforts to help each student succeed; and
WHEREAS, The State Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by the
following: the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT); the United Feder-
ation of Teachers (UFT); the New York State Parents and Teachers Associ-
ation (NYSPTA); the New York State Association School Curriculum Devel-
opment (NYSASCD); the New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA);
the School Administrators Association of NYS (SAANYS); The New York
State Association of Teacher Educators (NYSATE); The New York Associ-
ation of Colleges for Teacher Education (NYACATE); ING Financial
Services, Inc.; the Smarter Kids Foundation; SMART Technologies; and the
Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO); and
WHEREAS, A high school special education teacher at the Lewiston-Port-
er Central School District in Youngstown, New York, Ashli Skura Dreher
has been teaching in the Lewiston-Porter Central School District for 15
years and is the first teacher in the district to earn National Board
Certification for Professional Teaching Standards, one of teaching's
highest honors; she currently teaches special education in an 8:1:1 high
school classroom working with students with moderate intellectual disa-
bilities and developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Ashli Skura Dreher is currently a dissertation
level doctoral student in the Teaching and Curriculum Department of the
University of Rochester's Margaret Warner School of Education and Human
Development, where she enjoys researching literacy, specifically the
best instructional practices for teaching and reading to students with
moderate intellectual disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Ashli Skura Dreher has a strong work ethic and works tire-
lessly for her students, her colleagues and her school community; she
has always been dedicated to connecting her school community to the
larger global community and encouraging her students to become produc-
tive citizens of the world; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in recognizing
esteemed citizens and is particularly proud to pay tribute to teachers,
such as Ashli Skura Dreher, whose professional commitment and dedication
have enhanced the excellence of education in the State of New York; she
is a true asset to society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ashli Skura Dreher upon the occasion of her selection as the 2014
New York State Teacher of the Year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ashli Skura Dreher.