National PTA Applauds 2016 National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes

Hayes and other educators from across the country honored at the White House

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 4, 2016) — Last evening, President Barack Obama honored Jahana Hayes as the 2016 National Teacher of the Year in a special ceremony at the White House. Hayes teaches history at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Conn. She was selected to receive the honor for her commitment to the importance of service-learning and ensuring students are prepared to achieve success in life. In addition to Hayes, other educators from across the country were also selected for personal recognition by President Obama, including Jennifer Doll-Fowler, a second-grade teacher in Omaha, Neb. and president of Nebraska PTA.

“Jahana, Jennifer and teachers like them across the country have an immense impact on the lives and futures of our nation’s children,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “National PTA congratulates Jahana on her recognition as the 2016 National Teacher of the Year and applauds her, Jennifer and all teachers for the hours they spend and efforts they make to ensure every child reaches his/her full potential and is prepared for long-term success.”

Hayes strives to send students into the world not just academically prepared but as conscientious and productive members of society. Connecting lessons learned in school to real life is an integral part of her instruction. As the 2016 National Teacher of the Year, Hayes is committed to engaging people who have not traditionally been part of the conversation to join in the effort to prepare well-rounded students for success—in school and beyond.

The National Teacher of the Year is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a national selection committee representing leading education organizations, including National PTA. The National Teacher of the Year program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

In addition to being a part of the National Teacher of the Year program, National PTA designates the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week to thank, support and elevate these real life superheroes for their important contributions and the difference they make for children nationwide.

“Our teachers give so much,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. “It is vital that teachers have our support and that we honor and thank them during Teacher Appreciation Week and all year round for going above and beyond for our kids.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth.

Media Contact
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA
[email protected], (703) 518-1242

“Read MOre, Missouri!” Summer Reading Challenge

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is once again promoting the “Read MOre, Missouri!” summer reading challenge. This year, they are adding a math challenge as well.

You can Help Prevent “Summer Slide”

Your kids are probably already talking about what they’re going to do over the summer. Their plans could involve a slide: the slide at the water park, sliding into second base or flying along a Slip ‘N Slide® hooked up to a garden hose in the back yard. There’s one slide, though, that isn’t so much fun. It’s “summer slide.”

Summer slide is the loss of learning that can occur when children are away from school. It can rob kids of a month or more of grade-level learning during their break. Missouri has a couple of ways to help you put the brakes on summer slide.

“Read MOre, Missouri!” is our summer reading challenge. It’s easy and fun to help your children choose books to read during break. By visiting our website, you and your child can determine which books they’d want to read to keep up or increase their reading skills so that they’re ready for school to start again in August. You might find a few books to enjoy yourself, so you can read along with your child.

Missouri Math Challenge is a way for kids to keep their math skills sharp all summer long. Parents can help their children sign up for fun math activities and resources. Summer Math Challenge is intended for kids who have just completed 1^st through 7^th grades. The problems are based on the Missouri Learning Standards, so you know they are appropriate for Missouri students.

No one expects – or wants – your children to spend their summer doing school work. But along with playing ball, riding bikes, swimming and other fun summer activities, encourage your kids to spend a few minutes each day keeping up their reading and math skills. That will help get them ready for a new year of learning when they head back to school in the fall.

Have a wonderful, fun-filled summer!

National PTA, NEA and GoFundMe #ThankATeacher to Honor the Important Contributions of Educators Nationwide

May 2-6 marks Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate these real-life superheroes and spotlight their impact on the lives and futures of our nation’s children

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 2, 2016) — Teachers touch the lives of millions of children every day, and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. To thank, support and elevate teachers and the important contributions they make, National PTA, the National Education Association (NEA) and GoFundMe encourage everyone to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6) and National Teacher Day (May 3).

“Teachers are real life superheroes. They make an immense difference in the well-being and long-term success of children nationwide,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “As a parent, I know firsthand the profound impact that teachers have on the lives and futures of students. It is important that we honor and thank them for the countless hours they spend and steadfast efforts they make to ensure every child reaches his or her full potential—in school and beyond.”

During Teacher Appreciation Week, everyone is urged to recognize and thank these real-life superheroes by:

Sharing a photo or story of a special teacher in their life on social media with the hashtag #ThankATeacher
Sending heartfelt letters, cards and messages of appreciation
Creating artwork, poems and video messages
Recognizing teachers with awards
Decorating schools and teacher’s lounges
Hosting surprise assemblies and other events
Volunteering in classrooms and giving back to teachers

Also as part of Teacher Appreciation Week, anyone can start a GoFundMe “Thank A Teacher” fundraising campaign and garner donations from communities across the nation to help provide critical classroom supplies and materials. GoFundMe will make matching donations of $100 each to campaigns that benefit teachers and students. To be eligible for the matched donation:

GoFundMe campaign must be created by May 8 and include #ThankATeacher in the description
$100 in total donations must be raised
At least five individual donors must contribute to the campaign by May 13

“Our teachers give so much and often spend their own money to ensure their students have access to supplies and resources and receive the best possible education,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. “It is vital that teachers have our support, and that we give back to them. We encourage everyone to start a GoFundMe campaign and be a superhero for a teacher.”

National PTA has designated the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week since 1984. For decades, NEA has celebrated National Teacher Day on Tuesday of the first full week of May.

For more information about Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day, visit PTA.org/ThankATeacher or NEA.org/TeacherDay. You can also view a special video message from National PTA President Bay and NEA President Lily Eskelsen García.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About NEA

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than three million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

Media Contact:

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

(703) 518-1242, [email protected]

New Study Reveals What Keeps Parents Up at Night

Hello PTA Leaders,

Today, Learning Heroes released findings from a national poll on public school parents’ perspectives on their children’s academic, emotional and physical well-being. The study was conducted by Hart Research and commissioned by Learning Heroes, in collaboration with Univision; and in partnership with National PTA, National Urban League, NCLR and UNCF. The findings show parents’ high expectations and deep engagement in their children’s development, and at the same time, identify a disconnect between views on students’ performance in school and national data. The study also unearthed areas where parents most need support.

Please find attached and below a press release on the poll and a new “Readiness Roadmap” that was launched today in response to the study findings to empower parents with the tools they need to support their children’s success. We encourage you to review the research and incorporate the findings into your work. We also encourage you to share the Readiness Roadmap with PTAs and families in your states.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we can provide any assistance.

Best regards,

Heidi May Wilson

Parent Education and Engagement Award

Carver Middle School PTSA
Springfield, MO
Ozark Region