FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 8, 2017) – Governor Matt Bevin recently signed a proclamation officially declaring May 8-12 Teacher Appreciation Week in Kentucky, joining the National Educators Association in honoring and celebrating teachers and recognizing their invaluable contributions to society.
“Teachers are responsible for educating and guiding Kentucky’s children and the future of the Commonwealth and use their vast expertise and talents to give our children a solid foundation for their entire lives,” Gov. Bevin said in the proclamation. “Kentucky is grateful for the love and sacrifice our teachers give to make our children and communities flourish.”
Gov. Bevin shared a video message on his Facebook page Monday morning reminding citizens to thank the teachers that have been influential in their lives.
“Jot a note to a teacher that you may have or once had, and take a moment to thank them,” said Bevin. “As educators, they are preparing the next generation to lead.”
Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner says it is important to recognize the influence of teachers.
“All of us have teachers who influenced our lives or are currently enhancing the lives of our children and grandchildren with their talent, dedication and love,” said Heiner. “That teacher may be the one who made history come alive for you or kept working one-on-one with your child until he understood a difficult concept. Take time during Teacher Appreciation Week to let the teachers in your life know that you are grateful for all they do to make our communities, state and nation a better place to live.”
Kentucky Commissioner of Education Stephen Pruitt says he is continually impressed by the new and innovative methods teachers use to engage their students and improve their craft.
“The teaching profession is not always easy, but Kentucky teachers have shown again and again they are committed to doing whatever it takes to ignite the passion, potential and possibility in each and every one of their students,” said Pruitt. “Our teachers are invaluable partners and leaders in all the work we do in Kentucky to raise achievement and secure prosperous futures for all our students, and as commissioner of education I am grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside them. Please join me in honoring our teachers during Kentucky Teacher Appreciation Week.”
Throughout May, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is asking Kentucky residents to share their stories of teachers who have influenced their lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren by using the hashtag #thankaKYteacher. KDE will share those posts throughout the month to recognize Teacher Appreciation Week and May as Teacher Appreciation Month. In addition, KDE will revisit stories from its Kentucky Teacher website of great teachers each day in May on the department’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kydeptofed/ and Twitter feed @KyDeptofEd.
“Sometimes we don’t realize the impact a teacher has had on us until many years down the road. Let’s take time now to thank these dedicated professionals for the countless hours they have spent preparing lessons, providing counseling and coaching and using their expertise and knowledge to make us all better people,” said Sec. Heiner.