[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9273 of May 4, 2015

National Teacher Appreciation Day and National Teacher Appreciation
Week, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In America, every child is born with limitless promise, and each
deserves a chance to achieve their dreams. A world-class education can
unlock a young person's full potential and empower them with the
knowledge and skills to reach their highest aspirations. As a Nation, we
must provide every girl and boy in America with such an opportunity, and
this cannot happen without great teachers. On National Teacher
Appreciation Day and during National Teacher Appreciation Week, we honor
America's outstanding teachers and the vital role they play in the lives
of our children and the success of our country.
In classrooms across America, talented and hardworking teachers are
nurturing a new generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers. They teach
the subjects and skills that will fuel the next century of growth and
innovation, as well as the virtues and values--like character,
compassion, creativity, and resilience--that will prepare their students
to take on the challenges of the future. Our best teachers are role
models who show our kids how to work hard and pursue a brighter
tomorrow. They encourage our children's passions, inspire their
imaginations, and help them realize the best versions of themselves.
Teaching is an all-encompassing commitment, and teachers make enormous
sacrifices to support their students. My Administration is dedicated to
promoting excellence in teaching and ensuring all teachers have the
resources, support, and tools necessary to succeed in their classrooms.
We are working to strengthen the ways we prepare, develop, support, and
advance America's teachers. And as part of this effort, I have called
for an all-hands-on-deck approach to prepare an additional 100,000
teachers in the important fields of science, math, engineering, and
technology--a STEM Master Teacher Corps--to serve as beacons of
excellence in teaching as well as leaders and mentors for their
colleagues. Additionally, through the Teach to Lead initiative, the
Department of Education is empowering teachers to have a voice in what
happens in their schools and their profession without leaving the
classroom. And we are working with States to implement best practices
that will help more of our best teachers--across all disciplines--reach
the communities and children who are most in need.
Great teachers make a lasting impact on their students' lives. When a
young person learns from an exceptional teacher, they are more likely to
graduate, attend college, and succeed later in life. Teachers lift up
the next generation and enrich our Nation, and they deserve our
gratitude and thanks. This week, as we remember the teachers who touched
our lives and shaped our futures, let us recommit to supporting those
who serve in America's classrooms. By investing in our Nation's
teachers, we can build a world where every girl and boy can dream big,
hope deeply, and realize a brighter future.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May

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5, 2015, as National Teacher Appreciation Day and May 3 through May 9,
2015, as National Teacher Appreciation Week. I call upon students,
parents, and all Americans to recognize the hard work and dedication of
our Nation's teachers and to observe this day and this week by
supporting teachers through appropriate activities, events, and
programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA