It’s that time of year when we celebrate educators! The first full week of May has been National Teacher Appreciation Week for decades. But this year, with students not in school buildings as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and educators working in new ways to teach from a distance, deliver meals, and more, the occasion is more meaningful than ever.

“The public health crisis gripping the world has made it clear—we shouldn’t take our nation’s public school employees for granted,” said MEA President Paula Herbart. “The vital work they do to transport, feed and teach our students in a safe and supportive environment drives our economy and builds a better world.”

This week take a moment to #ThankATeacher and also show your appreciation for the secretaries, food service workers, bus drivers, paraeducators, bus drivers, and others who step up every day to help students achieve their greatest potential.

NEA is offering shareable resources and a feed of Twitter teacher appreciation posts tagged with #ThankATeacher or #TeacherDay2020.