AJR83

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman BRIAN BERGEN

District 26 (Morris and Passaic)

Assemblyman BENJIE E. WIMBERLY

District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)

Assemblyman BRIAN E. RUMPF

District 9 (Ocean)

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblyman Barlas

SYNOPSIS

Designates first full week of May of each year as “Teacher Appreciation Week.”

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.

A Joint Resolution designating the first full week of May of each year as “Teacher Appreciation Week” in New Jersey.

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 COVID-19 pandemic, 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 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 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 designate the first full week in May as “Teacher Appreciation Week,” which week has been annually observed as “National Teacher Appreciation Week” since 1985; and

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

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

1. The first full week of May of each year is designated as “Teacher Appreciation Week” in the State of New Jersey to recognize the exceptional efforts and enduring contributions of the teachers of this State.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation designating the first full week of May of each year as “Teacher Appreciation Week” and shall call upon the public officials and citizens of this State to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates the first full week of May of each year as “Teacher Appreciation Week” in the State of New Jersey.

Following the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 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 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 designate the first full week in May as “Teacher Appreciation Week,” which week has been annually observed as “National Teacher Appreciation Week” since 1985.