WASHINGTON, D.C. – To honor our nation's teachers and commemorate
National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6), U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown
(D-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) led a bipartisan
resolution to recognize the important work of teachers across the nation,
thank them for their efforts to prepare students for success, and acknowledge
the additional
challenges teachers faced during school reopening following closures due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“Teachers
have always answered the call to serve, going above and beyond to ensure our
students have a foundation of skills and tools that will last a
lifetime,” said
Senator Brown. “Throughout the past two years, teachers and educators
have found unique ways to support and stay connected with their students. We
must continue to honor the work of our education staff through policy that
supports teachers in their efforts to develop the next generation of leaders.”
“As
a Senator, I have visited more than 200 schools throughout Maine,” said Senator
Collins. “In communities large or small, urban or rural, the school is
the town’s pride and joy. It is the dedicated and caring educators who
make it so. This resolution honors the indefatigable efforts of our
teachers and expresses our gratitude for all that they do to prepare our
children for success.”
“Educators put their hearts and souls into educating our nation’s
students every day. Together with parents and caregivers, they helped carry our
kids through the toughest times of the pandemic by working to safely reopen our
classrooms and are now ensuring our kids and families bounce back academically,
socially and emotionally. From reading, writing and arithmetic, to building lasting
relationships, they equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge
they need to become critical thinkers and engaged citizens and to seize their
future. Despite political interference, disrespect for their professionalism,
and a seemingly endless struggle for resources, educators rise to the occasion
to help prepare every child for whatever comes next and do it with incredible
humanity and grace. Thank you to all the Senators that supported this
resolution recognizing the work of educators,” said
Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers.
“Each year during Teacher Appreciation Week, we encourage everyone
to #ThankATeacher because educators truly deserve the gratitude of the
communities they serve,” said NEA President Becky Pringle.
“However, with educators planning to leave the profession in record numbers,
it’s clear that gratitude and gifts are not enough. This year, let’s let all of
America’s educators know #WeHearYou.”
In an effort to reduce the out-of-pocket financial burden that
many teachers experience, Brown
introduced the
Educators
Expense Deduction Modernization Act of 2022 in April, which would
quadruple the amount educators can deduct from their taxes for out-of-pocket
classroom expenses. Brown
also joined Sen. Booker (D-NJ) this week in
introducing the
Respect,
Advancement, and Increasing Support for Educators (RAISE) Act,
would provide educators with a minimum of $1000 and as much as $15,000 in refundable tax credits.
In addition to Brown and Collins, the resolution is co-sponsored
by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL),
Angus King (I-ME), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne
Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin
(D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van
Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory
Booker (D-NJ), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Tom Carper (D-DE), Gary Peters (D-MI), Joe
Manchin (D-WV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Bob Casey (D-PA).
A copy of the resolution can be read
here.
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