“Teaching is, without a doubt, such an invigorating and inspiring experience. You don’t know the impact you’re going to have, from a day-to-day standpoint, but also long-term. It’s so fulfilling to have a previous student come back and let you know that you made them feel positive about themselves, or inspired them to take a career path, or even that you just made some difference in their life.” - Pennsylvania’s 2020-21 Teacher of the Year, Joe Welch 

National Teacher Appreciation Week gives us an extra special opportunity to show our appreciation and thanks for how hard our teachers work and for everything they do to help students learn and grow. 

Our appreciation for teachers is year-round, but this year we are especially proud of our educators. COVID-19 has created unimaginable circumstances across the state, our nation, and world. Despite unique challenges, teachers have been incredibly adaptive and resilient, finding new ways to serve and support students every single day. 

Teachers mean a lot to our communities. They are change makers, community leaders, and support systems. They are compassionate, creative, committed individuals dedicated to being champions for children. Teachers show up and never give up, and we are incredibly grateful. 

While COVID-19 keeps us from celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week in all of the ways we used to, there are still ways to show and share your appreciation - whether that’s by sending a thank you letter, card, e-card, or picture to teachers that have made an impact on you, or sharing our Teacher Appreciation Week social media posts (facebook and twitter) and adding your favorite memory, and more.  

How will you recognize teachers and celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week? Remember, this doesn’t have to take place May 3-7, 2021 only - let’s celebrate teachers year-round and recognize them for the lifelong impact they make!