Every year, the first full week of May is dedicated to celebrating the people who shape our lives in lasting ways—teachers. Think back to the educators who influenced your own journey. Maybe it was a Kindergarten teacher who sparked your love of learning, a Middle School teacher who made sure you felt included, or a High School teacher who inspired your future career.
Teachers support every generation of learners not only through instruction, but through the countless ways they encourage, guide, and uplift their students. They help children feel seen and valued, teach essential life skills, and work tirelessly to meet academic, social, and emotional needs. Many educators go above and beyond—arriving early, staying late, and often using personal funds to ensure their students have what they need.
Their dedication deserves more than a single week of appreciation.
A Brief History of Teacher Appreciation Week
- 1953: First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt championed the idea of a National Teacher Day.
- 1980: National Teacher Day became a Congressionally recognized celebration.
- 1984: The National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as an annual, week‑long observance each May.
For decades, this week has served as a reminder of the vital role educators play in shaping strong communities.
Ways to Show Appreciation
There are many meaningful ways to express gratitude:
- Purchase a favorite treat or small gift from a teacher’s “favorites list.”
- Write a heartfelt note or email.
- Donate needed classroom supplies.
- Volunteer in the classroom or help provide duty‑free lunch.
These gestures matter—but one of the most powerful ways to honor teachers is to turn appreciation into action.
Advocacy: A Lasting Form of Appreciation
Teachers are navigating unprecedented challenges, yet they continue to show up every day because they care deeply about their students. Now more than ever, they need to be supported, valued, and heard. Advocacy allows families and community members to stand with educators and support strong public schools.
How Students and Parents Can Advocate
During Teacher Appreciation Week, consider transforming gratitude into action:
- Encourage your child to write a letter or postcard to elected state representatives, sharing a personal story about a need in their school.
- Write, email, or call your representatives. Some people choose to highlight topics such as:
- Ensuring stable funding streams for public schools
- Setting consistent standards for all schools receiving taxpayer‑funded dollars
- Addressing North Carolina’s national ranking in funding effort and teacher pay, both of which rank near the bottom in the country
- Providing calendar flexibility for local districts
- Removing the 13% cap on Exceptional Children funding, which affects counties like Pitt who have over 15% of students who qualify for EC services
- Attend a school board meeting and consider speaking during public expression.
- Wear red on May 1 to show visible support for educators.
Pitt County General Assembly Representatives:
Representative Timothy Reeder – 919-733-5757 — Timothy.Reeder@ncleg.gov — Mailing Address 300 N. Salisbury Street, Rm. 416B Raleigh, NC 27603
Representative Gloristine Brown – 919-715-3023 — Gloristine.Brown@ncleg.gov — Mailing Address 300. N. Salisbury Street, Rm. 403 Raleigh, NC 27603
Senator Kandie Smith – 919-715-8363 — Kandie.Smith@ncleg.gov — Mailing Address 16 West Jones Street, Rm. 1113 Raleigh, NC 27601
Every Member of the School Community Matters
Students across Pitt County rely on teachers, administrators, nurses, counselors, social workers, custodians, and school support staff who make schools safe, supportive, and enriching places to learn. Every person working in public education deserves respect, resources, and recognition.
Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect moment to say “thank you”—but your voice can make that gratitude last far beyond a single week. By advocating for strong public schools and the people who make them thrive, you help ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
