WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced a resolution supporting the designation of the week of May 5, 2025, through May 9, 2025, as “Teacher Appreciation Week” and highlighting key priorities and perspectives of educators across the nation. Congresswoman Hayes also announced the launch of the Congressional Teacher Caucus.
The resolution formally designates May 5-9, 2025, as “Teacher Appreciation Week,” recognizing the critical and selfless work of the three million public school teachers in the U.S. who serve as the cornerstone of the American education system. While their expertise has been acknowledged in past bipartisan efforts, the resolution notes that teachers often feel unheard in key education decisions and that only 19% would recommend the profession to others, highlighting the urgent need for change and greater teacher voice.
Furthermore, the resolution amplifies the perspectives of teachers on critical issues and highlights strong teacher support for reimagining the profession through strategies including leveraging AI, exploring alternative teaching models, differentiating compensation for hard-to-staff roles and schools, and proactively diversifying the workforce.
“This resolution is about more than just appreciating the hard work of teachers during one week of the year. It is about formally recognizing their invaluable role, respecting their dedication to the profession, and crucially affirming that public school teachers must be at the table in decision making at all levels. Their expertise and voices are essential to creating effective policies that truly benefit our students and strengthen our public schools.” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.
To further elevate the voices of educators, Congresswoman Hayes also announced the launch of the Congressional Teacher Caucus. This caucus will aim to provide a dedicated platform for educators serving in Congress to find common sense solutions to addressing the educational issues of today, particularly in response to the unprecedented attacks against teachers, public education, the Department of Education, and higher education by this administration.
Through this resolution, the House of Representatives would support the designation of “Teacher Appreciation Week,” recognize and respect the invaluable role of teachers, affirm their voice in policymaking, and encourage federal, state, and local leaders to engage directly with teachers. This effort underscores the commitment of Congresswoman Hayes to supporting the educators who are vital to the success of students and the quality of our education system.
The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Alma Adams (NC - 12), Yassamin Ansari (AZ - 3), Nanette Barragan (CA - 44), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA - 2), Danny K. Davis (IL - 7), Sarah Elfreth (MD - 3), Angie Craig (MN - 2), Cleo Fields (LA - 6), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA - 4), John Larson (CT - 1), John Mannion (NY - 22), Lucy McBath (GA - 6), LaMonica McIver (NJ - 10), Gwen Moore (WI - 4), Kevin Mullin (CA - 15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC - At Large), Johnny Olszewski (MD - 2), Mike Quigley (IL - 5), Terri Sewell (AL - 7), Mark Takano (CA - 39), Dina Titus (NV - 1), Rashida Tlaib (MI - 12), George Whitesides (CA - 27), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL - 24).
The resolution is endorsed by Educators for Excellence.
Full text of the resolution can be found here
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