Friday, May 16, 2025
The first full week of May every year, Wisconsin proudly celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, as proclaimed by State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly. The week represents a special time to thank the educators who make a lasting impact on students, schools and communities across the state.
"We cannot thank our teachers enough for the extraordinary work they do each and every day, or for the lasting impact they have on the lives of students across Wisconsin," Dr. Underly said. "Our teachers bring creativity, compassion, patience, and expertise into their classrooms, building safe, welcoming spaces where all students feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Their work is not only essential – it’s transformational.
"I am deeply grateful for their dedication, resilience, and belief in every child. I encourage everyone to take a moment this week to express their appreciation and celebrate the incredible educators across the state who make a difference in our communities every single day."
In honor of the week, Dr. Underly released a special video message to express her gratitude, along with the appreciation of the entire state, for Wisconsin’s teachers. Watch the video message here on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s YouTube page.
On May 6, Dr. Underly visited Luther Elementary School in the School District of Fort Atkinson. The school was recently recognized as a 2024 National Elementary And Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools award. She then traveled around the state to surprise the 2026 Teacher of the Year awardees, and capped the celebrations off at James Madison Elementary in the Sheboygan Area School District, which was named a 2024 National ESEA Distinguished School earlier this year. She was so excited to have the chance to experience a school concert and glow room, as well as express her gratitude to the wonderful educators there.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 has now come and gone, but the gratitude remains. Thank you, Wisconsin teachers!