This Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to speak plainly.
We know that “thank you” can ring hollow when you’re overwhelmed, planning or grading late into the night, and carrying the weight of more than one job. Behind the celebration, we see the reality: too few resources, too many demands—and yet, you continue to show up with unwavering commitment to your students.
You show up for your students not just as educators, but as counselors, advocates, mentors, and cheerleaders. You show up even though our education system too often asks more of you while offering less. That’s unacceptable—and that’s why we are fighting alongside you every single day.
As your union leaders, we couldn’t be prouder to represent you or more grateful for your dedication to your students. It lives in our actions: in every contract negotiation, every town budget fight, and every policy debate where we demand what you—and your students—deserve.
Real appreciation is not just words. Real appreciation leads to change.
This week, while lawmakers celebrate teachers, they are also making decisions that will shape the future of public education. Now is the time to act.
We urge you to contact your legislators and tell them: Educators don’t need another pat on the back. We need bold, immediate action to support the teaching profession. If lawmakers truly appreciate teachers, they must:
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Ensure fairness in the workplace
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Address the special education crisis
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Invest in educators
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Support retired teachers
In addition, legislators are still considering key bills to protect the freedom to read, reduce unnecessary standardized testing, and safeguard teachers’ personal information. Make your voice heard—these decisions will have real consequences in your classrooms.
Click here to send a message—it only takes a minute, and it makes a big difference.
With deep gratitude and unwavering resolve,
CEA President Kate Dias
CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey
