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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