The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. The success of the public school system in this State is based upon the quality and dedication of our teaching staff members.
b. Providing for local and Statewide recognition of outstanding teaching will demonstrate our appreciation of excellence and encourage others to strive for the same.
c. Giving the teaching profession the stature and recognition it deserves will help attract and retain the most able individuals in the profession of teaching, a process which is critical to the future well-being of the State and its citizens.
d. In teaching, as in other professions, practitioners should be acknowledged for outstanding performance.
e. The purpose of this act is to provide for Statewide awards and recognition of the excellence of current members of the teaching profession.