WASHINGTON – The National Education Association joins students, parents, and educators across America in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week from May 8-12, 2023. 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.
“This year, we’re joining together to tell teachers that not only do we appreciate them, but we will listen to them, we will stand with them, and together we will take action so that every student has a teacher who feels respected and supported,” said NEA President Becky Pringle.
On Sunday, May 7, Abbott Elementary star and Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, National PTA and NEA will host a special town hall to kick off Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12. 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.
“We must demonstrate our appreciation of teachers for more than a week. Teachers need our support all year long,” said Pringle. “Teachers create lesson plans while simultaneously creating a sense of safety and belonging for their students. They are getting up early to go the extra mile for their students and they stay up late with worry about whether they are doing enough. Teachers partner with parents and caregivers to create a community that lifts up students, yet they work without the resources needed to do their job. They are forced to reach into their own pockets to transform classrooms into exciting, caring, and inclusive learning environments. Today's public school teachers are more than teachers for our students — it’s past time we did more to support them.”
Everyone can have a hand in bringing meaningful change to our schools and for educators. NEA is 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 wants to know what educators really need to feel truly supported, seen, and appreciated. Whether it’s more respect, better safety measures, higher pay, or better partnerships with communities. Supporters can text PRIORITIES to 48744 to share how we can support our nation’s educators.
Follow NEA on Twitter at @NEAmedia
Help educators know just how appreciated they are by sharing a message on social media, tagging @NEAToday, and using #ThankATeacher.
(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.)
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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.
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