Happy Teacher Appreciation Day

It's your day to celebrate!

National Teacher Appreciation Day is not just any other day, it is a day recognized all over the country from all the way to your superintendent and campus leaders.

This just reiterates your value to all school community stakeholders - students, parents, district staff, and community members.

We celebrate you today and always!

Dear Esteemed Teachers,

As Superintendent of Schools, I am honored to extend my deepest gratitude to each one of you during this Teacher Appreciation Week. Your unwavering dedication, passion, and tireless commitment to nurturing the minds and hearts of our students are truly commendable.

Throughout this year, you have demonstrated remarkable resilience, creativity, and adaptability as we worked to improve student outcomes. Your ability to innovate, inspire, and create opportunities to provide students with a Triple-A Experience has not gone unnoticed.

Your impact extends far beyond the curriculum. You serve as mentors, role models, and pillars of support for our students, empowering them to reach their fullest potential and become compassionate, responsible citizens of tomorrow.

I am continually inspired by your passion for education and your unwavering belief in the transformative power of learning. Your dedication to excellence sets the standard for our entire community, and I am profoundly grateful for your contributions to our schools.

During this special week, I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the incredible difference that each of you makes in the lives of our students and the broader community. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated, today and every day.

Thank you for all that you do.

Warm regards,

Usamah Rodgers, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

"Teachers are the heart and soul of our Nation. They care for our Nation’s students, pass on knowledge to rising generations, and inspire our children to dream up new possibilities for their futures. The power of a great teacher is profound, and — on National Teacher Appreciation Day and during National Teacher Appreciation Week — we thank them for their tireless efforts and recommit to taking care of our teachers, just as they have taken care of all of us..."

"The greatness of a nation is measured in part by how it prepares the next generation to succeed." - U.S. President Joe Biden, Jr.

A Teacher for All Seasons

A teacher is like Spring,
Who nurtures new green sprouts,
Encourages and leads them,
Whenever they have doubts.

A teacher is like Summer,
Whose sunny temperament
Makes studying a pleasure,
Preventing discontent.

A teacher is like Fall,
With methods crisp and clear,
Lessons of bright colors
And a happy atmosphere.

A teacher is like Winter,
While it's snowing hard outside,
Keeping students comfortable,
As a warm and helpful guide.

Teacher, you do all these things,
With a pleasant attitude;
You're a teacher for all seasons,
And you have my [*our] gratitude!

By Joanna Fuchs

On Tuesday, May 7, Abuelo’s is offering 20% off the entire check if there is a teacher or school staff member in the party — a perfect excuse to take a large group out to dinner. A valid school ID is required to cash in on this deal. Abuelo's locations and hours can be found on the company's website.

Monday through Friday next week, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering six boneless wings for $1 with the purchase of any burger. Mid-sized groups, such as a team of teachers, are bound to have a field day with this deal. All Buffalo Wild Wings locations can be found on their website.

From Monday to Friday, teachers can enjoy free fries with every Burger King purchase. As a matter of fact, so can everyone else. We’re guessing Burger King understands how the end of the school year can be hard on everyone. All Burger King locations can be found on their website.

On Tuesday, May 7, Chick-fil-A is honoring educators with options: a free breakfast or a free lunch. Teachers who present a valid school ID at participating locations will have their choice of either a free chicken biscuit or a chicken sandwich. All Chick-fil-A locations can be found on their website.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf:

Providing any large drink for $5 if you have a valid teacher’s ID from May 6 to 15.

Ford

Teachers who take a virtual test drive through May 7 will receive a $50 e-gift card that can be used to contribute to teacher requests on DonorsChoose.

The Good Feet Store:

Starting May 6 and continuing through the end of the month, The Good Feet Store is introducing its "Feet for Thought" initiative. Any school staff, including teachers, counselors, principals and meal service and custodial professionals, can be nominated to receive a complimentary arch support system.

Insomnia Cookies

The late-night bakery is giving away a free Classic cookie (which includes 13 flavors such as chocolate chunk and vegan birthday cake) to teachers, school staff and nurses who present a valid ID. No purchase is necessary. Hopefully, this will brighten up after-hours grading and lesson-planning sessions. All Insomnia Cookies locations can be found on their website.

On Tuesday, May 7, McDonald’s is offering a free Egg McMuffin and medium coffee or soft drink. No additional purchase is required, just a valid school ID. There’s a limit of one free breakfast per person. Hopefully, this complimentary meal will have teachers “lovin’” their week a little more. All McDonald’s locations can be found on their website.

Office Depot / OfficeMax:

Offering 30% back in Bonus Rewards on a qualifying in-store purchase. This is a great opportunity to stock up on classroom essentials.

RaceTrac

RaceTrac is offering teachers and school staff a free medium Crazy Good Coffee, no additional purchase required, May 6–10. A valid school ID is required to redeem, and the offer is limited to one per customer. Caffeinated options during end-of-year chaos are hard to turn down. All RaceTrac locations can be found on their website.

Beginning Monday, May 6, through Sunday, May 12, Potbelly is offering teachers and nurses deals. Those who show their IDs and purchase an entrée will receive a free cookie or regular-sized fountain drink.

Sonic Drive-In

The Sonic app has a year-round rewards program exclusively for teachers. Members of the Sonic Teachers’ Circle program will receive extra perks in the form of complimentary drinks and desserts with qualifying purchases, May 6–20. Educators must sign up for the app before May 6 to be eligible. All Sonic locations can be found on their website.

Whataburger is giving away free breakfasts to teachers who show a valid school ID, Monday through Friday. Between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., teachers can choose from a selection of breakfast items, including taquitos and honey butter chicken biscuits, and receive a complimentary "WhataTeacher" lanyard. The company will also select 63 teachers to receive $1,000 grants. All Whataburger locations can be found on their website.

An Educator’s Escape at The Wigwam

The Wigwam is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week by offering “An Educator’s Escape,” with 20% off best available rates at the newly renovated resort and a chance to luxuriate in a stunning 440-acre desert oasis, with reimagined accommodations, plush amenities, an adults-only Oasis Pool, professional spa treatments at LeMond’s Aveda Salon-Spa, signature dining venues, championship golf courses, and more. Learn More!

Dallas Observer Teachers for Tomorrow