By Elaine Sanchez
Elaine.sanchez@dma.mil
May 4, 2011
Each year, the nation sets aside a week to celebrate America’s teachers. This year, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, President Barack Obama hosted a reception for the national and state teachers of the year at the White House yesterday.
Among the honorees was the Defense Department teacher of the year, Angelica L. Jordan, a Spanish teacher from Mannheim Elementary School in Germany.
“I still remember the special teachers that touched my life,” Obama said. “And we all do. We remember the way they challenged us, the way they made us feel, how they pushed us, the encouragement that they gave us, the values that they taught us, the way they helped us to understand the world and analyze it and ask questions. They helped us become the people that we are today.”
As part of this recognition week, the Department of Defense Education Activity is inviting everyone to thank a DOD teacher who has made an impact in their lives.
DODEA officials issued a letter to encourage people to take part in this show of gratitude.
“In our military communities this year, educators have proven to be a caring, nurturing and stabilizing force as ongoing deployments, re-stationing, natural disasters and world events continue to impact military communities,” the letter says. “Our military partners have urged us to maintain that momentum and increase our efforts to meet current and emerging needs. Teachers are vital to this effort.
“Let’s recognize teachers for the significant role they play in our lives and in the well-being of our nation. Let’s join the National PTA and take time to say ‘thanks’ to the teachers of our military communities overseas and throughout the United States.”
To participate in this effort, visit DODEA’s Facebook site, “Thank a DODEA Teacher.”
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