May 1, 2009

LANSING – The week of May 4-8, 2009, is National Teacher Appreciation Week.  

In its resolution supporting National Teacher Appreciation Week, the State Board of Education noted that:  “Throughout Michigan and across the country, teachers open children’s minds to the magic of ideas, knowledge, and dreams.  Teachers fill many roles such as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators and mentors.  They continue to influence us long after our school days are only memories.”

The State Board of Education has continually supported teachers with several quality initiatives, including the Michigan Teacher of the Year Program, Michigan Network of Excellent Educators, and the Milken National Educator Award.

“Teachers keep American democracy alive by laying the foundation for good citizenship, and their hard work and efforts are directly responsible for creating the leaders of tomorrow,” according to State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus.

Teacher Appreciation Week is a fitting time to raise awareness of the importance of teaching, a profession that affects the lives of nearly two million Michigan children each day.  

“Innovative and dedicated teachers will drive the success of Michigan’s future by leading its children to achieve at greater levels and become our state’s most reliable and valuable resource, said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan.  “Research shows that the most important factor to student’s success is teachers.  We need to recognize their dedication to our children and their futures.  There is no more important job.”

The Michigan Department of Education encourages schools and communities to appropriately recognize that teachers are vital to the very fabric of our society.