Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2-6, with May 3 marked as National Teacher Day. It's another opportunity to thank teachers for the hard work they do every day, and to tell the community more about the value of our work.

"Even though there are those who have vilified our union and demonized our teachers, your work is among the most valuable in this country," said CEA President Rhonda Johnson. "What counts is what we do every day in our classrooms to change young people's lives. It's not just about getting a test score. Everyone has had a person who has been very influential in their lives, most of them being teachers."

Principals can show their appreciation with a breakfast, lunch or small gifts and notes left for each educator. The National Teacher Day website at www.nea.org/teacherday describes other activities appropriate for this special day, including:

* Wearing a button proclaiming your work and your membership in CEA, OEA and NEA
* Downloading artwork on the National Teacher Day website
* Conducting a student essay contest, "A Teacher to Remember," where students write about the special teacher who made the biggest impact on their lives
* Making Teacher Day a community service day, identifying one project on which all members can target their energies