Thank-A-Teacher Campaign Underway

Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein and United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten announced the city's second Thank a Teacher Campaign to give public school students, parents, and alumni the chance to thank their teachers.

The Department of Education and the United Federation of Teachers are asking current students, their families, and graduates to write short essays about special New York City teachers.

Submissions should be entered online at www.nyc.gov/schools/ Teachers/ThankaTeacher. Students, parents, and graduates can also submit photographs, drawings, or paintings of their favorite teachers. Responses will be posted on the DOE's website at www.nyc.gov/schools/students/, and teachers who are "thanked" will receive certificates honoring their contribution.

"Teachers play a special and enduring role in the lives of their students," Klein said. "Some 40 years ago when I was a New York City public school student, my teachers gave me the knowledge, the skills, and the courage I needed to succeed in life. Today, across New York City, teachers are still changing lives every day. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to say 'thank you' to these extraordinary professionals."

"Given our hectic lives and the economic crisis, the fact that great things are happening in classrooms often gets taken for granted—things that so many of us can truly be thankful for," UFT President Weingarten said. "Teachers view their work as a calling, and their dedication and commitment to schools and school communities is vital to this city."

The deadline for submissions is Jan. 30, 2009.