A growing chorus is thanking educators for going above and beyond during the pandemic
National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-8, including National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 4, occurs this year during a global pandemic, and provides a timely opportunity to illustrate the power and value of teachers and parents collaborating creatively for student success. During this week, the Maine Education Association launched a “Thank You” campaign to show our gratitude for all of the educators who work in our schools. From teachers to food service workers to school nurses and professors, our public school educators deserve an extra “thank you” for all they’ve done this year. MEA is asking all Mainers to join the growing chorus that thanks educators—not only during National Teacher Appreciation Week, but every day.
“This year has been challenging for entire school communities-our educators and our families at home have worked together to help ensure our students continue to learn, despite the varied learning models in each of our school districts. This work should be applauded and MEA is proud of Maine teachers, support staff and university faculty and support staff. Together, we are working to inspire students so they can succeed, and this Teacher Appreciation Week we ask everyone to send an extra “thank you” to your favorite educator,” said Grace Leavitt, MEA President.
Public schools—and by extension educators—keep communities connected, serving as sites to offer nutritious meals to students, distribute supplies, help students secure Wi-Fi hotspots to stay connected, and keep families informed. Educators time and again have demonstrated their unparalleled commitment and creativity in providing students with continued learning opportunities, both in person and virtually, during these trying times. Even as educators are stretched thin, balancing responsibilities that include caring for their own young children or elderly relatives, while learning new teaching platforms and supporting students, many still found the time and a multitude of ways to give back.
To learn more about MEA’s grant funded “Thank You” campaign, visit: https://thankyou.maineea.org/
About Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day
Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week, a special time to honor the men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children. PTA events at the national, state and local levels celebrate the outstanding contributions teachers make.
National Teacher Day began in 1953 when former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt proposed that Congress set aside a day to acknowledge the work of educators. Since 1985, the National Education Association and the MEA have celebrated National Teacher Day on the Tuesday of the first full week of May.
