ORADELL, NJ--(Marketwire - Apr 19, 2011) - On National Teacher Day, May 3, 2011, thousands of communities will honor their local educators, acknowledging the important role they play in society. Huntington Learning Center is joining the celebration by offering numerous ideas to parents and their children on how to show their appreciation for the teachers in their lives.
Eileen Huntington, co-founder of Huntington Learning Center, says there are many ways for community members to celebrate and support their local teachers, including the following (as suggested by the National Education Association [NEA], which sponsors the annual campaign):
- Partner with your local Parent Teacher Association to hang signs on each classroom door in your child's school, saluting teachers by name.
- Ask the school's National Honor Society, Student Council or other student group to provide punch and cookies for the teacher's lounge on National Teacher Day.
- Give teachers treats, apples or other food gifts with appropriate notes attached.
- Provide balloon bouquets and flowers for every teacher's lounge in your child's school.
- For business owners, run congratulatory messages on banners or storefront signs.
- Invite teachers to a before-school breakfast of coffee, juice and pastries in the school parking lot.
- Send a thank-you card to the NEA's Teacher Thank-You Project, c/o NEA Public Relations; P.O. Box 66458; Washington, D.C. 20035. Learn more at www.memberthanks.com.
"Teachers shape our children's future, thereby shaping the future of our community and world," said Huntington. "National Teacher Day is a wonderful time to show teachers our gratitude for all that they do, but it is also an opportune time for parents to teach their children the power of the words, 'thank you.' Great teachers inspire and challenge students, and we encourage all parents and students to recognize that on this day and every day."
National Teacher Day originated in 1944 when Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge began corresponding with political and education leaders about the need for a national day to honor teachers. Woodridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt, who in 1953 persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day.
Huntington celebrates its own teachers on National Teacher Day as well. "Our teams of Huntington teachers are tireless in their efforts to help every child do his or her best in school," said Huntington. "Our teachers partner with our city's school teachers and parents to help children overcome the road blocks standing in the way of their success in school. Their work makes an enormous difference in the lives of so many children, and we're very proud and thankful for their work."
For more information about Huntington Learning Center or National Teacher Day, please visit www.huntingtonlearning.com.
About Huntington Learning Center
Founded in 1977, Huntington Learning Center is the nation's longest-running supplemental education services provider. Today they continue to be an industry leader providing instruction in reading, writing, spelling, phonics, mathematics and study skills as well as SAT and ACT preparation to tens of thousands of students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Huntington prides itself on its unparalleled programs which specialize in helping parents, caregivers and educators identify the gaps in skills and knowledge that can limit learning potential, and in providing a personalized program of instruction to enable children to excel. To learn more or to locate a center near you, call 1-800 CAN LEARN.