Tennessee Dedicates May to Celebrating Teachers

Tennessee launches a campaign to honor teachers throughout May.

Tennessee has designated May as Teacher Appreciation Month, a time to honor and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of teachers across the state. This declaration was made official through a proclamation by Governor Bill Lee. In conjunction with this celebration, the Tennessee Department of Education has initiated the ‘Year of Tennessee Teachers’ campaign, aimed at spotlighting the critical role teachers play in developing the minds of over one million K-12 students in the state. This campaign focuses on ensuring students have access to a high-quality education and are prepared for success in the classroom, workforce, and beyond.

The ‘Year of Tennessee Teachers’ campaign will feature teachers who have been nominated by their peers for their exceptional efforts and dedication. These educators, known for going above and beyond their duties, will be recognized on the department’s social media platforms. This initiative serves to highlight the significant contributions teachers make in their classrooms, districts, and communities.

Lizzette Reynolds, the Commissioner of Education, expressed her gratitude towards teachers for their influential role in mentoring and leading students towards success. She emphasized the passion and commitment of Tennessee teachers in fostering student learning and achievement.

The Department of Education plans to promote Teacher Appreciation Month across its social media channels, with special emphasis on Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6-10 and Teacher Appreciation Day on May 7. Tennesseans are encouraged to participate in the conversation by sharing their appreciation for their current or former teachers using #TNSupportsTeachers on social media. Additionally, current Tennessee teachers are invited to share their passion for teaching using #WhyTeachTN.

In a show of support for Tennessee’s educators, Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly have provided an additional $125 million for teacher pay raises during this legislative session. This investment underlines the state’s commitment to raising the minimum starting salary for teachers to $50,000 by 2027.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact the Tennessee Department of Education at Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.

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East Tennessee Hosts Second Annual Whiskey Week

East Tennessee is set to celebrate its second annual “Whiskey Week” this May, featuring distillery tours, live music, special food, and cocktail offerings to showcase the region’s spirits, cuisine, and culture.