As the nation celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, educators across the country are receiving well-deserved recognition for their dedication and impact. This week, which runs from May 5 to May 11, 2025, is a time to honor the invaluable contributions of teachers who inspire and shape the minds of future generations.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, ABC 6 News Good Morning anchor Carly Berglund visited Austin Pacelli Catholic Schools to surprise Mrs. Frederick, a beloved teacher at the school. The visit was part of the ongoing celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, highlighting the vital role teachers play in their communities.
In a statement reflecting on the importance of educators, Malesia Dunn, the executive director of the PPG Foundation, emphasized how teachers ignite interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) studies. "Investing in classrooms and STEM education includes empowering teachers to build confidence and inspire the next generation of innovators," Dunn said. PPG, alongside the PPG Foundation, is committed to supporting teachers through various initiatives, including grants and resources aimed at enhancing STEM education.
Over the past four years, the PPG Foundation has collaborated with AdoptaClassroom.org to provide funding and resources to teachers, ensuring they have the tools necessary to engage their students effectively. This year, grants were awarded in cities such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Huntsville, and Greensboro, demonstrating a wide-reaching impact across the country.
Crystal Caldwell, principal at Pittsburgh Arlington PreK-8, shared her excitement about the difference the grant has made in her school. "Before receiving the grant, our STEM lessons were limited by the availability of resources," Caldwell explained. "With the new supplies we purchased with the grant, I saw students who were previously disengaged suddenly become excited and eager to participate." The school utilized the funding to acquire Lego and robotics kits, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning and explore programming concepts.
In addition to PPG's initiatives, Cox Enterprises is also making strides in supporting teachers during this special week. The company has partnered with DonorsChoose, an education nonprofit, to offer up to $100,000 in matching donations for engineering and technology STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education projects. Jennifer Bronner, Cox Enterprises’ director of community impact, remarked, "Investing in education is one of the most powerful ways we can shape a better future." This partnership aims to provide teachers in under-resourced schools with essential tools and resources to foster creativity and curiosity among their students.
Cox Enterprises’ commitment to social impact is further exemplified by its “34 by 34” initiative, which seeks to empower 34 million people to live more prosperous lives by 2034. Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has positively affected over 11.6 million individuals, including nearly 3 million new beneficiaries last year alone. This has included funding for 500 classroom projects through the DonorsChoose match campaign, directly impacting students and teachers across the nation.
In Roanoke, Virginia, National Teacher Appreciation Week is also being celebrated with heartfelt stories from local schools. Ms. Keiara White, a third-grade teacher at Lincoln Terrace Elementary, has dedicated 13 years to Roanoke City Schools. Her journey as an educator began in her childhood, inspired by her family’s teaching legacy. "I knew from a very early age, since elementary school, I would play school with my brother and sister," White recalled. "Teaching runs deep in my family."
White's innovative approach to teaching includes using tools such as Ozobots to engage her students in learning. "They solve multiplication facts, draw a line from one fact to the product, and then the Ozobot would track over to the answer," she explained. This method not only makes learning fun but also helps students grasp complex concepts in an interactive manner.
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed; White was previously named Teacher of the Year at Lincoln Terrace. Principal Kirsten Mills praised her patience and care, noting that many students return to visit her long after they have graduated. "She brings this level of patience that allows students to be who they are while still getting the education they deserve," Mills said. White also contributes to the after-school program, providing additional support to her students outside regular hours.
Reflecting on her career, White emphasized the importance of her work, stating, "I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I knew what the pay would be like, but to me, the impact is more important." She highlighted the often-overlooked efforts that go into teaching, saying, "Teachers work very hard. It’s more than just what people see as summers off and winter breaks. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes things that happen."
As Teacher Appreciation Week continues, it serves as a reminder of the critical role that educators play in shaping the future. From local surprises to national initiatives aimed at supporting STEM education, the appreciation for teachers is evident across the country. Their impact is felt not only in the classroom but also in the lives of students who carry the lessons learned into their futures.
