WASHINGTON – The National Education Association joins students, parents, and educators across America in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week from May 2-6, 2022. This year, Teacher Appreciation Week follows NEA’s release of a new set of detailed reports unveiling alarming new data about educator pay and other key findings related to what is contributing to the nationwide educator shortage.
“Each year during Teacher Appreciation Week, we encourage everyone to #ThankATeacher because educators truly deserve the gratitude of the communities they serve,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “However, with educators planning to leave the profession in record numbers, it’s clear that gratitude and gifts are not enough. This year, let’s let all of America’s educators know #WeHearYou.”
On Tuesday, May 3, National PTA and NEA will host a special Facebook live conversation as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. Recent surveys have found that teachers’ job satisfaction levels appear to have hit an all-time low and educators are planning to leave the profession in record numbers. The event will provide a platform for educators to share the realities of teaching right now and what they really need to feel encouraged, appreciated and respected. It will also include a discussion on ways communities, parents, students and policymakers can support our nation’s educators. The event will be moderated by Lisa Ann Walter of the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary and will feature U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, National PTA President Anna King, NEA President Becky Pringle and a diverse group of educators from across the country.
NEA asked educators about the things—big and small—that make them feel appreciated for their work.
Watch and share our video of messages from educators about “What They Really Want for Teacher Appreciation Week.”NEA is also encouraging all who are grateful for educators this week to sign the Teacher Appreciation Week pledge to give educators the support and respect they deserve.
NEA has also established a utility for parents, students, and community members to express support for educators this week. Supporters can text CELEBRATE to 48744 to leave a message of appreciation to be shared with real educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. Educators who text CELEBRATE to 48744 will be receiving these messages— to remind them of how special they are—via periodic text throughout the week.
In a six-figure national advertising campaign launching in time for Teacher Appreciation Week on Monday, May 2, NEA is showing gratitude towards our nation’s educators and who have worked tirelessly to keep our students learning and lays out critical demands on their behalf. Throughout the campaign, placements ranging from The New York Times, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, connected TV and TikTok, the ads show appreciation for educators while naming central needs that are key to student success: respect, higher compensation, and safe and healthy schools. Watch the video here.
NEA leaders, educators, and policy experts are available for interview or comment on all subjects related to our students, our schools, and celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week.
Follow NEA on Twitter at @NEAmedia
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
