AFT Celebrates Nation’s Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week

WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement to mark the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10.

“During Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate the educators who transform the lives of our future generations—instilling in them a love of learning, the art of compassion and a sense of community. Teachers show up every day for their students; they show up because they care and because they want to see their students succeed and thrive. All they ask for in return are the time, tools, trust, pay and conditions that reflect their effort and dedication.

“This year, and every year, educators and their unions are going out of their way to explore innovative ways to teach—such as experiential learning, where students learn by doing—that prepare them for life, career and college, while addressing basics like reading, history and math.

“They are unlocking the power and possibility that come from being a confident reader, as part of our Reading Opens the World initiative. They are catalyzing a vast expansion of community schools that partner meaningfully with families. And they are caring for young people’s mental health and well-being, including by demanding that social media companies protect, not prey on, children.

“Sadly, some states and districts across the country aren’t rising to the occasion. Instead of providing educators with the necessary resources and supports, they tolerate low wages, abysmal working conditions and political smears.

“Teachers believe deeply in the future of their students, the communities around them and society at large. Today and every day, we turn to a teacher and thank them. And we redouble our efforts to ensure they’re treated as the professionals they are.”