May 06, 2022

Duckworth, Durbin Join Brown, Collins to Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Honor America’s Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – To honor our nation's teachers and commemorate National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) to introduce 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 are incredible public servants, and their actions can have far-reaching impacts on their students—I know from experience that one specific teacher of mine changed my life with his selfless acts of kindness,” said Duckworth. “Over the past two years, we’ve seen teachers show up for their students in remarkable ways in the midst of a deadly and traumatic pandemic. The least we can do is recognize and give appreciation for their unrelenting, hard work of teaching the next generation and helping form tomorrow’s leaders.” 

“Our educators devote their lives to not only teaching our children their ABCs but also shaping the next generation of leaders. Despite facing additional challenges in the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers remain connected to their students and dedicated to finding creative ways to instruct. This week, we remind ourselves of the great impact our teachers have had on each of us and thank them for showing up every day to serve their communities,” said Durbin.

In addition to Duckworth, Durbin, Brown and Collins, the resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), 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), 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).

“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 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 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.”

A copy of the resolution can be read here.

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