It’s National Teacher Day and around the country thousands of communities are taking time out to honor local educators and acknowledge the crucial role our nation’s teachers play in making sure every student receives a quality education. As part of this year’s celebration, the National Education Association conducted an online poll, asking teachers, “What do you want for National Teacher Day?”
Nearly 1,000 educators participated in the poll. Poll responses indicate that teachers still appreciate thank you cards, flowers and drawings from their students, but teachers also expressed growing concern and frustration with high stakes testing and the lack of classroom autonomy. According to those participating in the online poll, the best “thank you” would be to:
“Trust my education and experience. Give me control over my students’ instruction and assessment” (29.1%)
“Stop the standardized testing mania (28.06%)
“Pay me the salary I deserve” (19.98%)
“Smaller classes so I can give more individualized attention” (11.66%)
“A classroom with adequate school supplies” (5.66%)
“More time for class preparation and grading” (5.54%)
“National Teacher Day and Teacher Appreciation Week provide a wonderful opportunity to thank teachers for their hard work throughout the year to help ensure the success of each and every student,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. “We’re asking everyone to take the time to recognize and thank a favorite teacher,” said Van Roekel. “We know that appreciation alone will not reduce the challenges teachers face, but it will let them know their efforts are not going unnoticed.”
