LISD will hold Teacher Appreciation Week for all district schools May 2-6.

The first proposal to Congress for a day dedicated to appreciating teachers came from Eleanor Roosevelt in 1953. It wasn’t until 1985 that the day became nationally recognized and made the first week of May. 

“Because teachers make up the largest portion of the staff, [the week] gives us time to show our gratitude for all the work that they do and the extra miles that they go with testing, grading, tutoring and all other other duties that make [teaching] a difficult job,” principal Amy Boughton said. 

Campus coordinator Pam Humphries oversees all school-sponsored events, clubs and activities. She started planning for Teacher Appreciation Week in early January. Humphries said the week has been a part of the district for 12 years.

“[Teachers aren’t the only ones who have a dedicated period of appreciation], there’s an assistant principal’s week, a principal’s day and a counselor’s week,” Humphries said. “[Generally], for everybody in this building, there is a day where they are recognized.”

Hebron’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and separate program booster clubs are buying and providing food and snacks while the front office will hold daily door raffles which yield prizes like blankets and gift cards. Other clubs like Student Council will also be pitching in with their own undertakings and promotions for the week.

“[We as StuCo don’t know what big thing to do yet], but we are going to advertise news of the week everywhere on top of [handing out packages of] flair pens to the teachers,” StuCo sponsor Jennifer Russell said.

Having been around for four decades and disrupted due to COVID-19 the last two years, staff members have anticipated the week’s return on the first of May.

“I think [Teacher Appreciation Week] is important just as a reminder that despite all of the not-so-great things that are going on, teachers are appreciated, and it reminds us of why we’re here and why we do what we do,” English teacher Nicole Perkins said.