Teachers are the foundation of children's educational experience. They work side by side with parents and administrators every day to provide the best learning environment for their students. Often, they must find creative ways to stretch limited resources, sometimes even reaching into their own pockets to cover the cost of basic materials. Their goal is to give each child the opportunity to do his or her best in school and beyond. The Association for Childhood Education International believes there is no other job more important to our children's future than teaching. For this reason, ACEI annually designates the first full week of May as a time to recognize teachers for their hard work and dedication.
ACEI encourages any group or individual caring about teachers to take part in the Week of the Classroom Teacher. Celebrations are organized by: parents who want to honor their child's teacher, principals and directors who want to recognize their teachers for their dedication, church groups wanting to thank their teacher volunteers, PTAs and PTOs looking for a special time to celebrate teacher appreciation week, and teachers who want to acknowledge the achievements of their colleagues.
There are many activities that can be held throughout the Week of the Classroom Teacher. The following are only suggestions. Use your creativity to come up with your own special ideas and events. Get students involved to help teachers receive the recognition they deserve.
* Sponsor "Teacher Success Story" displays in a library
* Obtain proclamations from your governor or mayor
* Give simple gifts to teachers throughout the week
* Recognize Week of the Classroom Teacher on your school sign
* Host a celebration coffee, breakfast or lunch
* Encourage children to write an article about their favorite teacher for the school newsletter
* Write a thank you note to YOUR favorite teacher
* Present certificates of appreciation to staff
* Sponsor a Hall of Excellence at a conference
* Advise local media about your events
* Share success stories during a special staff meeting
Need more ideas? Contact ACEI at 1-800-423-3563 or at aceimemb@aol.com.
Week of the Classroom Teacher is sponsored by the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and its 150 local, state and international Branches.
Return to ACEI home page.
These pages are copyright 
2002 by
the Association for Childhood Education International. Please send any comments
to Marilyn Gardner at aceimemb@aol.com.