Great Teachers Make Great Schools

May 4th-10th:
Teacher Appreciation Week

DoDDS.E students will join students around the globe in honoring their teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week, from May 4-10. National Teacher Appreciation Week is designed to honor the nation’s dedicated teachers and educators and to show them our appreciation. Every day, teachers touch the lives of students, parents and communities in significant ways.

This year, Teacher Appreciation week is scheduled from May 4-10. "Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools," is the enduring theme for the week-long celebration highlighting the crucial role teachers play in making sure every child receives a quality public education.

The origins of Teacher Appreciation events are a little bit complicated. Although most agree that sometime around 1944 Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge began corresponding with political and education leaders about the need for a national day to honor teachers and show teacher appreciation. It was First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who, in 1953, persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day and it wasn’t until 1980 that the National Education Association encouraged Congress to observe the day but that victory was short-lived since it only occurred that year. In 1985 the National Parent Teach Association established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May and since that year, teachers, administrators, parents and students have taken the time each year to thank teachers for the hard work they do each day to make public schools great for every child.

"It’s my great pleasure each year to encourage participation in activities to show our teachers know how much they are appreciated," said Dr. Joe Tafoya, DoDEA Director. "Our service members and their families sacrifice much to ensure we all reap the benefits of our democracy. Our teachers make sure that a quality education is one thing military families don’t have to sacrifice. I personally thank all of our teachers for their commitment and determination to do that most important thing – teach our students."

Activities and events are planned at many DoD schools to honor teachers and celebrate their contributions. Interested media are encouraged to contact school principals for details on school celebrations.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages the education programs for Department of Defense (DoD) dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DoDEA consists of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) located overseas, and the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) located in the United States and its territories and possessions. DoDEA provides education to eligible DoD military and civilian dependents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

To find out more about Teacher Appreciation Week origins, celebration ideas or activities, visit the following websites:

From the Director, Diana J. Ohman

In 1985 the National Parent Teacher Association established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May and since that year, teachers, administrators, parents and students have taken the time each year to thank teachers for the hard work they do each day to make public schools great for every child.

It is a great pleasure of mine each year to let our teachers know how much they are appreciated. Our service members and their families sacrifice much to ensure we all reap the benefits of our democracy. Our teachers make sure that a quality education is one thing military families don’t have to sacrifice.

I personally wish to thank all of our teachers for their commitment and determination to do that most important thing – teach our students. I came across the poem below and think it is appropriate as I reflect on teachers.

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking
When you thought I wasn't looking, you displayed my first report, and I wanted to do another.
When you thought I wasn't looking, you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, you gave me a sticker, and I knew that little things were special things.
When you thought I wasn't looking, you put your arm around me, and I felt cared for.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt – but that it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, you smiled, and it made me want to look that happy too.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, you cared, and I wanted to be everything I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking—
I looked...and wanted to say thank you for all those things you did when you thought I wasn't looking.

During times of uncertainty and stress, like deployments or moves, schools and teachers often provide stability and comfort for our military children. No matter what else is going on in their lives, school is always a safe, stable place and our teachers are sensitive to the challenges of being in a military family.

Teaching is an honorable profession, but teaching America’s military children is an honor and a great responsibility – one DoDDS-E teachers take very seriously. Thank you for what you do every day.

Diana J. Ohman
Director, DoDDS-Europe

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Great Teachers Make Great Schools

May 4th-10th:Teacher Appreciation Week

May 4th-10th:
Teacher Appreciation Week