Hooray for teachers!

Join me in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, 2008 and National Teacher Day on May 6, 2008. Established in 1984 by the PTA, Teacher Appreciation Week honors the dedicated men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children. The National Education Association has marked Tuesday, May 6th as National Teacher Day. Please take time to celebrate these days with your local educators.

During the week, parents can take time to give a special thanks to teachers with emails, letters, or receptions. Visit the Parent Teacher Association website at www.pta.org to get great celebration ideas.

Also, be sure to check out how your school can join schools around the country in the Largest Teacher Thank You Card project. Visit www.teacherthankyoucard.org for the details.

This week is also a great time to nominate teachers for recognition programs. I am still looking for outstanding educators to be a part of the Superintendents' Talent Pool. To nominate an educator in your school, visit the Talent Pool website at http://opi.mt.gov/PDF/Superintendent/08TalentPool.pdf and fill out the quick and easy form.

Thanks teachers for all of your hard work and dedication to Montana's 143,405 students!

OPISupt@mt.gov