Gov. Whitmer Honors Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 7, 2026 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

Gov. Whitmer Honors Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week.

“Across Michigan, teachers inspire students, open doors for opportunity, and step up every day to prepare the next generation for success,” said Governor Whitmer. “Educators also play an essential role in helping us meet our literacy goals and help Every Child Read. That’s why I’m proud of the work we’ve done to support teachers. We paid student teachers, delivered bonuses, and helped more aspiring educators get in front of the classroom. During Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s recognize the teachers who have shaped our lives and continue working together to ensure they have the support they need to help our kids thrive.” 

Supporting Teachers 

Governor Whitmer has worked hard to support educators and help more aspiring teachers get in front of the classroom: 

• The only state in the country to pay every single student teacher.   

• Created the MI Future Educator Fellowship to lower barriers for aspiring educators. 

• Created the Grow Your Own program to help more school staff members get in front of a classroom. 

• Delivered funding for recruitment and retention teacher bonuses, so we can reward you for your hard work. 

• As a result of our hard work, enrollment in teacher prep programs has reached its highest point in the last decade. 

Governor Whitmer’s eighth budget recommendation continues historic investments in public education. Her budget will include the highest increase in per-pupil funding, lower the age of Michigan Reconnect to 21, and continue free PreK for All to ensure every four-year-old will show up to kindergarten better prepared to learn. The budget also proposes the continuation of the free breakfast and lunch program, while calling to make it permanent in state law.  

View the full proclamation here. 

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