New Jersey-2020-AR154-Introduced

An Assembly Resolution honoring the contributions of teachers and recognizing May 4 through May 8, 2020 as "National Teacher Appreciation Week."

Whereas, The foundation of American freedom and democracy is a strong, effective system of education wherein every child has the opportunity to learn in a safe and nurturing environment; and

Whereas, The strength of New Jersey's education system is a reflection of the teachers of this State, each of whom dedicates their time and efforts toward ensuring that every student has a chance to succeed; and

Whereas, The educators of this State dedicate countless hours to preparing lessons, evaluating progress, and counseling and coaching students, all to support their students' academic, social, and emotional well-being; and

Whereas, While the importance of their efforts is often overlooked, teachers are shaping the next generation of citizens and entrepreneurs who will lead this nation for years to come; and

Whereas, Following the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and the public health emergency that ensued, the people of New Jersey are again reminded of the tireless contributions of their teachers, who have risen to the occasion to support our children during a period of unprecedented crisis; and

Whereas, During the public health emergency, which resulted in the closure of all public, private, and parochial schools in the State, teachers quickly responded by developing innovative lesson plans to allow over 1.4 million public school students to continue their education through remote instruction; and

Whereas, Despite the many challenges posed by remote instruction, the State's educators have successfully employed unique teaching strategies using online platforms to help students understand abstract concepts and develop critical-thinking skills, all of which are essential to academic development; and

Whereas, During this time, teachers have also spent countless hours collaborating with parents to ensure that every student remains engaged with their schoolwork, even while many of these teachers continue to care for their own children who are also at home; and

Whereas, Although the societal effects of COVID-19 may recede with time, the contributions of educators during this public health emergency will always be remembered; and

Whereas, In light of these contributions, it is altogether fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to recognize and celebrate "National Teacher Appreciation Week," which has been annually observed during the first full week of May since 1985; and

Whereas, While the nation regularly observes "National Teacher Appreciation Week" as a time to remember the importance of educators throughout the country, there has never been a more appropriate time for this State to recognize the exceptional efforts and enduring contributions of its teachers; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. This House honors the contributions of teachers in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and recognizes May 4 through May 8, 2020 as "National Teacher Appreciation Week."

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of the State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Governor, the State Board of Education, the Commissioner of Education, and the board of education of each school district in the State, and the chief administrative officer of each nonpublic school in the State.

STATEMENT

This Assembly resolution honors the contributions of teachers in response to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, public health emergency and recognizes May 4 through May 8, 2020 as "National Teacher Appreciation Week."

Following the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and the public health emergency that ensued, the people of New Jersey are reminded of the tireless contributions of their teachers, who have risen to the occasion to support our children during a period of unprecedented crisis. During the public health emergency, which resulted in the closure of all public, private, and parochial schools in the State, teachers quickly responded by developing innovative lesson plans to allow over 1.4 million public school students to continue their education through remote instruction.

Despite the many challenges posed by remote instruction, the State's educators have successfully employed unique teaching strategies using online platforms to help students understand abstract concepts and develop critical-thinking skills, all of which are essential to academic development. During this time, teachers have also spent countless hours collaborating with parents to ensure that every student remains engaged with their schoolwork, even while many of these teachers continue to care for their own children who are also at home. Although the societal effects of COVID-19 may recede with time, the contributions of educators during this public health emergency will always be remembered.

In light of these contributions, it is altogether fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to recognize and celebrate "National Teacher Appreciation Week," which has been annually observed during the first full week of May since 1985.