Congress Backs Teachers’ Policy Wish List, Designating May 5-9, 2025, as Teacher Appreciation Week

This resolution does two things: it officially designates the week of May 5 through May 9, 2025, as “Teacher Appreciation Week,” and it uses that moment to highlight a whole list of policy priorities that the vast majority of public school teachers actually support. Think of it as Congress saying “thank you” while also publishing the policy memo teachers want them to read. It’s a non-binding resolution, meaning it doesn't change any laws or appropriate any money, but it’s a powerful signal about where the conversation on education should be heading.

More Than Just a Thank You Card

The most interesting part of this resolution isn't the appreciation week itself—it’s the policy agenda embedded within the text. The document explicitly states that teachers feel unheard, noting that only 19% of them would currently recommend the profession to others. To fix this, the resolution lays out several key areas where teachers want legislative action. These aren’t small asks; they are about maintaining the foundation of the public education system.

For example, the resolution affirms teacher support for keeping federal protections in place that prohibit discrimination based on gender and sexual identity for students. It also highlights teacher support for the guaranteed right of undocumented students to attend public schools. If you’re a parent, these provisions are about ensuring your local school remains a safe, inclusive, and accessible place for every kid in the community, regardless of their background.

Protecting the Education Budget and Loan Forgiveness

The resolution also touches on the financial realities of teaching. It strongly supports the continued funding of major education laws like Title I, which helps schools with high numbers of low-income students, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For teachers who racked up student debt, the resolution specifically backs the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (covered under section 455(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965), which is a lifeline for many educators who commit to public service.

Crucially, it also backs the idea that public tax dollars should be reserved only for public schools. This is a clear statement on the ongoing debate about school choice and vouchers—the resolution aligns with teachers who want resources focused squarely on the established public system. They also want to see that the Department of Education is fully staffed and functional, which matters for everything from processing federal aid to enforcing civil rights laws.

New Ideas for the Classroom and Career

Beyond existing protections, the resolution suggests exploring new ideas for improving the profession. It encourages looking into things like safely integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning, recognizing that tech is changing how jobs are done everywhere, including the classroom. It also mentions different pay structures, such as paying teachers based on factors like working in hard-to-staff schools or serving as teacher leaders, moving beyond the traditional single salary schedule.

Perhaps the most significant takeaway for anyone concerned about the future of public education is the final point: the resolution strongly affirms that public school teachers need a direct seat at the table when education policy decisions are being made at the Federal, State, and local levels. This is the core message—that the people doing the job every day should be the ones guiding the policy, not just receiving it. It’s a call for leaders to stop making rules in a vacuum and start listening to the experts in the field.