Heidi May Wilson, Senior Manager, Media Relations
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 10, 2024)—Teachers go above and beyond every day to support children’s learning, development and well-being. They play a critical role in shaping our children and make the world brighter one student at a time. To thank, honor and elevate how “Teachers are Shining Stars,” National ϳԹand PTAs nationwide have been marking Teacher Appreciation Week 2024, May 6-10.
“Every day teachers go beyond the call of duty in and out of the classroom for every child. They are shining stars, illuminating the path to knowledge and growth, molding future generations, and instilling within them a love for learning and a belief in their own potential,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA. “Teacher Appreciation Week is an important time to honor the invaluable contributions of our nation’s educators and express our heartfelt gratitude. We want every teacher to know we see them and the work they do to guide, inspire and empower the next generation to reach for the stars.”
During Teacher Appreciation Week, PTAs across the country have been hosting events and activities to celebrate and thank teachers for their outstanding contributions. National ϳԹencourages everyone to join the association in recognizing teachers by:
- Sharing stories and photos of teachers on social media using #ThankATeacher
- Sending heartfelt letters, cards and messages of appreciation
- Creating artwork, poems and video messages
- Recognizing teachers with awards and certificates
- Volunteering time to help in classrooms
- Advocating for investments in teachers and other efforts that will help strengthen the profession and build morale
As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, National ϳԹteamed up with the National Education Association (NEA) to surprise extraordinary teachers in Maryland, Colorado and Kansas with much needed classroom supplies. Among the supplies, Pilot Corporation of America (Pilot Pen) is donating 12,000 FriXion Erasable Pens to the teachers’ schools in each of the three states. FriXion pens use a thermosensitive ink that disappears with heat caused by erasing friction, allowing the user to erase writing.
“Teachers often spend their own money to ensure their students have access to supplies and resources and receive the best education possible,” added President Johnson. “We are pleased to team up with NEA and are grateful to Pilot Pen for helping us give back to teachers. Our association remains committed to spotlighting and supporting teachers and advocating for what they need, and we urge everyone to join us.”
“Today and every day, we celebrate the extraordinary commitment of educators who shape the future of our nation,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “We are proud to recognize those who go above and beyond, and we continue to support, respect and honor the contributions of educators everywhere. Congratulations!”
National ϳԹhas designated the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week since 1984. For more resources and ideas to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, visit PTA.org/ThankATeacher.
ϳԹ
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. ϳԹis a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in ϳԹis open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.
National ϳԹdoes not endorse any commercial entity, product or service. No endorsement of Pilot Pen is implied.