May 2-6 Is Teacher Appreciation Week In St. Mary’s

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) joins the National Education Association (NEA) in recognizing May 2-6, 2011, as Teacher Appreciation Week, and Tuesday, May 3, 2011, as National Teacher Day.  This year’s theme is “Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools.”

            National Teacher Day was first recognized in 1953 after First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to honor America’s teachers for their hard work and dedication. Years later, Congress declared March 7, 1980, as National Teacher Day for that year only.  The NEA and its affiliates continued to observe National Teacher Day in March until 1985, when the NEA Representative Assembly voted to change the event to Tuesday of the first full week of May.

            Schools give students the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to participate fully in this nation’s democracy, and to succeed in college, career, and life.  Please thank a teacher for making public schools great!