Pasadena Unified School District Celebrates National Teacher Appreciation Week, Honors Dedicated Educators

The Pasadena Unified School District is celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6 to May 10 to honor the invaluable contributions of its educators. The week-long celebration provides an opportunity for students, parents, and the community to show their gratitude for the hard work and dedication of teachers.

“Teachers fill many roles as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators, and mentors,” the Pasadena Unified School District said in a statement. 

The District kicked off the week with a surprise at Madison Elementary, where 5th-grade teacher Martin Dorado was honored with a #HelpfulHonda Teacher Appreciation Award and learning supplies for students.

The theme for 2024, “Teachers are Shining Stars,” highlights the important role teachers play in shaping children and making the world brighter, one student at a time. Various activities and gestures are encouraged during the week, such as sending thank-you cards, certificates, and emails, as well as organizing school-wide appreciation events. 

Businesses and organizations also offer special deals, discounts, and freebies to teachers during this week as a token of appreciation for their service.

In a proclamation, President Biden emphasized the critical role of teachers in nurturing and inspiring students, stating, “Teachers are the heart and soul of our Nation.” This sentiment reflects the widespread recognition of the profound impact teachers have on shaping the future through their dedication to educating and inspiring the next generation.

Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ph.D., expressed her gratitude toward the District’s educators, saying, “We’re happy to celebrate our educators every day for all they do for our students.”

The District also celebrates National School Nurse Day on Wednesday, May 8, recognizing the critical role school nurses and health clerks play in keeping students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. School Nurse Day has been recognized since 1972 and is part of National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 to May 12.

“We appreciate the hard work they do to make a difference in the lives of our children every day,” the Pasadena Unified School District said of its school nurses and health clerks.

National Teacher Appreciation Week has its roots in discussions among political and educational leaders in 1944, with the idea gaining momentum when Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teachers’ Day in 1953. The National Parent Teacher Association has been actively involved in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week since 1984. In 1985, the National Education Association Representative Assembly voted to make the Tuesday of the first full week in May National Teacher Day, establishing Teacher Appreciation Week during the same period.