Schools celebrate teacher appreciation

Department of Defense Dependent Schools and many local Parent Teacher Associations across Europe will be joining America in celebrating National PTA Teacher Appreciation Week.
Since 1984, National PTA has encouraged all citizens to show their appreciation to teachers during the annual National PTA Teacher Appreciation Week.
The annual event, which began in the mid-1940s as Teacher Appreciation Day then blossomed over the years into a full week, offers the opportunity for citizens to reaffirm their commitment to parent-teacher partnerships, said Diana Ohman, DODDS-Europe director.
“It is essential that communities at large give teachers the status, support and recognition they genuinely deserve,” Ms. Ohman said. “I join parents, community members, commanders and PTAs in taking this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the many dedicated teachers of our military communities. Their contributions are valued by many and are the foundation of our efforts to educate all children.”
Experts have concluded that giving teachers the status and recognition they deserve as professionals is one of the best ways to improve education in this country, said Don Armell, president of the European Congress of American Parents, Teachers, and Students group.
The group wants to focus national attention on “the outstanding contributions teachers make to us individually and as a community,” Mr. Armell said. “We should take a moment to recognize exceptional teachers in our military communities, and that there are examples of great accomplishments in schools throughout DoDDS-Europe.”