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Department of Education Recognizes Teacher Appreciation Week
posted by: Alix | May 10, 2012, 07:31 PM   

In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has been leading the charge to recognize the hard work of educators across the country. From social media campaigns to personal stories, the Department of Education has been instrumental in inspiring the country to celebrate teachers this week.

In an opinion editorial for The Huffington Post, Secretary Duncan maintained that teacher voices are the most important in creating a system that works for all stakeholders. "Whatever we do to strengthen and elevate the teaching profession, we should bear in mind that reforms that fail to heed the voice of teachers are doomed," he said to kick off Teacher Appreciation Week.

Like AAE, Secretary Duncan recognizes that top-down reform efforts are useless without input from real classroom teachers on the front lines of implementing policy. Every year AAE members are invited to participate in a national membership survey, providing ideas, priorities, and perspectives on matters of education and labor reform, which is integral feedback for all policymakers and the media. Click here to read the 2011-12 Survey.

The Department of Education has also led the public in acknowledging teachers through innovative social media efforts. Millions of Americans took to Facebook and Twitter on Wednesday to thank teachers who have made a difference in their lives by using the hashtag #ThankaTeacher. Click here to read the heartfelt posts.

Throughout the week the Department has been showcasing videos of people from around the country thanking teachers for their dedication. Everyone from Bill Nye the Science Guy, Mayim Bialik, a PhD and actor, as well as Jamie Hyneman from TV's "MythBusters" have been featured thanking their favorite teachers. Secretary Duncan appeared with his high school English teacher in a video to commend teachers for their commitment to education.

We hope our entire membership has felt the outcry of support from the public during this important week. Thank you for helping to mold the next generation, for being role models to your students, and for giving so much of your time and effort toward one of the most demanding yet rewarding careers there is.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to our talented and inspiring members across the country! We appreciate YOU!

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