The Colorado Education Association announced on Apr. 30 that it is encouraging the public to turn appreciation for teachers into concrete actions during Teacher Appreciation Week.
This call comes as educators continue to play a key role in supporting students and strengthening public schools, according to the association. The organization said it is focusing on protecting students, ensuring strong public education, and promoting respect for educators.
“Teachers do all they can for their students, and we’re doing all we can for teachers. We’re transforming our appreciation into action that protects students, strengthens public schools, and ensures educators are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. From our social media pages to the offices of our Representatives and Senators, this Teacher Appreciation Week – we’re taking action,” the association said in its statement.
The Colorado Education Association outlined three main ways people can support teachers: writing to Congress or state representatives about school funding issues; advocating specifically for K-12 funding in Colorado by urging support for SB26-135; or sending messages of thanks directly to teachers through social media or e-cards. The group highlighted that an outdated spending cap from 1992 has limited school funding in Colorado for more than three decades.
The organization also called on supporters to ask federal lawmakers to reject proposed budget resolutions that would increase defense spending while cutting education budgets by ten percent. In addition, community members are encouraged to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 5 and National Black Teacher Appreciation Day on May 7 by reaching out with messages of gratitude.
Looking ahead, the association said continued advocacy is necessary so that educators receive appropriate resources and recognition.
