WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced legislation to designate May 4, 2026, through May 8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week. The legislation affirms that public school teachers should have a seat at the table in education policymaking at all levels, including federal, state, and local decision-making.
Teachers are the cornerstone of the American education system, providing essential knowledge, skills, and guidance to the next generation. There has been an unprecedented attack by the current Administration against teachers, public education, the Department of Education, and higher education. Despite these attacks, teachers show up each day to provide students with the skills needed to build brighter futures. The National Teacher Appreciation Week Resolution affirms that commitment and highlights the urgent need for change and greater teacher voice.
“Real appreciation for educators extends beyond a single week every year. It shows up in the actions we take to support teachers each day. This resolution officially acknowledges the vital contributions of educators, upholds respect for their commitment to the profession, and affirms the need to have teachers at the decision-making table at every level – particularly in light of the attacks on public education under this Administration.” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.
The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI -1), Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-1), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Ed Case (HI-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Bill Foster (IL-11), John Mannion (NY-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (NY-05), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).
The resolution is also endorsed by Educators for Excellence and the American Federation of Teachers.
“Teachers shape the next generation of Americans every single day. They deserve an equal hand in shaping the policies that govern their work. This resolution is a meaningful step toward that reality. True appreciation isn't a week on the calendar — it's a permanent seat at the table, in local boardrooms and federal halls alike, where the decisions that define classrooms are made. True appreciation is power, not platitudes. Educators for Excellence is proud to stand with Representative Hayes and every cosponsor in demanding exactly that,” said Evan Stone, CEO of Educators for Excellence.
"Every day, teachers make a difference in the lives of students. They help students learn how to read and calculate equations but also how to navigate the world, think critically and find their passions. Teachers create opportunity. We celebrate teachers and their profound impact this week, while recognizing that teacher appreciation means more than praise. It means pushing for better classroom conditions and pay and lifting up teachers' voices in policy decisions. Thank you to U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), the 2016 Teacher of the Year, for introducing this important resolution and for always being a champion and voice in Washington, D.C., for educators,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.
Full text of the resolution is available here.