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California Department of Education News Release
Release: #07-64
May 9,. 2007
Contact: Deb Kennedy
E-mail: communications@cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-319-0818

Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Encourages All Californians
to Honor Teachers on California Day of the Teacher

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today encouraged all Californians to join him in honoring teachers by celebrating the California Day of the Teacher. The California Teachers Association's theme for this year is "Celebrating the Artistry of Teaching."

"This year's theme is especially appropriate because teaching is truly an art," said O'Connell. "Every day our teachers weave a rich tapestry of learning for our children. Teachers inspire, encourage, and nurture a love of learning that will follow their students through school and throughout life.

"I want to encourage students and parents to honor teachers all year long, not just on this one special day. To assist with ideas, I've developed a list of my suggested ‘Top Ten Ways to Honor Teachers.' Please use these suggestions, or come up your own ideas, to let teachers know how much you value them and the work they do every day," stated O'Connell.

For more information from the California Teachers Association on the California Day of the Teacher, go to their Web site: . The Association of Mexican American Educators also honors this day with a different theme. "Cosechando Suenos" or "Harvesting of Dreams." Go to Association of Mexican American Educators [http://www.amae.org] (Outside Source) for more information from this organization.

Top Ten Ways to Honor Teachers
  1. Send your children to school well rested and ready to learn.
  2. Help your children with their homework at night and check to ensure all assignments are completed.
  3. Volunteer your time. 
  4. Parent involvement in your children's school is vital to the success of your own children as well as the success of the entire school.
  5. Organize donations for classroom supplies. On average, teachers spend $400 of their own money each year on their students. Encourage teachers to develop a wish list for classroom supplies and help organize donations.
  6. Donate new or nearly new books to the school library.  Determine what is needed to improve the library and organize contributions to fill that need.
  7. Send a thank you note to a teacher who has made a difference in the life of your child.
  8. Have a party or reception at your children's school to honor the teachers.
  9. Report to the principal what a great job your child's teacher is doing.
  10. Just remember to thank them for all they do.

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Jack O'Connell — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

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