LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Vickie Mike upon the occasion of her
selection as the 2009 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
Vickie Mike upon the occasion of her selection as the 2009 New York
State Teacher of the Year on Tuesday, May 5, 2009; and
WHEREAS, This highly selective and prestigious award is a testament to
Vickie Mike'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 New
York State United Teachers, New York State Congress of Parents and
Teachers, the New York State Association for School Curriculum Develop-
ment, ING Financial Services Inc., the SMARTer Kids Foundation, SMART
Technologies, and the Council of Chief State School Officers; it is run
in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored
by the Council of Chief State School Officers; and
WHEREAS, A proud product of New York public higher education, Vickie
Mike earned her associate degree at Corning Community College, her bach-
elor's at SUNY Brockport, her master's at SUNY Buffalo and her doctorate
in education from SUNY Binghamton; and
WHEREAS, Vickie Mike, a high school foreign language teacher at Horse-
heads High School in Horseheads, New York, was chosen as the 2009 New
York State Teacher of the Year; she began her career in Wilson and
Albion high schools before returning to her alma mater, Horseheads High
School; and
WHEREAS, Vickie Mike is the 39th New York State Teacher of the Year
and the first from the Horseheads district where she has taught for 27
years; she has served as the Horseheads Department Chairperson for
Languages Other Than English for the last 16 years and was invited to
participate in a Symposium of World Language Educators in China in Octo-
ber of 2007; and
WHEREAS, Vickie Mike has a strong work ethic and works tirelessly 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 productive 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 Vickie Mike 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 Vickie Mike upon the occasion of her selection as the 2009 New
York State Teacher of the Year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Vickie Mike.