Most of us appreciate America's teachers year round, every day. But this week - and especially today, Teacher Appreciation Day - we make a special effort to honor the work teachers do to educate our children and to make great public schools for every student.
In New York, we are particularly proud that so many of our teachers are among the best and most dedicated in the nation. To date, more than 1,600 New York teachers have earned teaching's "gold standard" — certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. And each year one NYSUT member is recognized as the state’s Teacher of the Year, ably representing their colleagues and their profession.
NYSUT's national affiliates — the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association — offer some online opportunities to thank teachers this week and to understand the issues facing public school educators.
So: we want to hear from you. Why did you become a teacher? Was there a favorite teacher in your past who made a real difference in your life?
Here are some
resources from NEA to help you celebrate.