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@katiecouric : Today’s #WomenWednesday, I wanted to highlight Mandy Manning, the 2018 National Teacher of the Year. Mandy teaches refugee and immigrant students at Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane, Washington. Mandy has been teaching for 18 years, and got her start teaching in the Peace Corps; first in Armenia and then in Japan. Mandy’s students at Joel E. Ferris High come to the US from all over the world: Myanmar, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Sudan, Tanzania and Mexico. Most of them are seeking safety, and Mandy says her role in the classroom is to “help them understand current events, know their rights, and provide a safe and welcoming environment.” When Mandy went to the White House to accept the National Teacher of the Year award, she used the moment to hand President Trump letters from the refugee and immigrant children in her classroom. “This year I hope to engage the nation in a conversation about how we can encourage students to experience things outside of their understanding. When we move out of our comfort zones, visit new places, listen to others’ thoughts, and share our own opinions, we become compassionate and open. This is the first step in creating a more helpful, safer, and kinder society where everyone can be productive, global citizens.” Teachers are such rockstars, and Mandy is doing incredible work creating safe and inclusive spaces for kids to learn. If there’s a woman in your life who inspires you and is doing amazing things, please share their stories with me! ❤️🍎#iloveteachers #girlpower #education #hero #wonderwoman