Washington, D.C. – To honor our nation's teachers and commemorate National Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) led a bipartisan resolution – co-sponsored by Senator Angus King (I-ME) – to recognize the important work of teachers across the nation, thank them for their efforts to prepare students for success, and acknowledge the additional challenges teachers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a Senator, I have visited more than 200 schools throughout Maine,” said Senator Collins. “In communities large or small, urban or rural, the school is the town’s pride and joy. It is the dedicated and caring educators who make it so. This resolution honors the indefatigable efforts of our teachers and expresses our gratitude for all that they do to prepare our children for success.”

“Teachers have always answered the call to serve, going above and beyond to ensure our students have a foundation of skills and tools that will last a lifetime,” said Senator Brown. “Throughout the past two years, teachers and educators have found unique ways to support and stay connected with their students. We must continue to honor the work of our education staff through policy that supports teachers in their efforts to develop the next generation of leaders.”

“As the son of two public school teachers, I’m eternally grateful for the contributions of America’s educators,” said Senator King. “From the moment they walk into a classroom, Maine’s teachers lay the foundation for our children’s success and provide an invaluable, often underappreciated service to our communities. During this Teacher Appreciation Week, I hope we can all take time to celebrate the educators throughout Maine and across the nation who devote their lives to teaching the next generation.”

In addition to Senators Collins, Brown, and King, the resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Tom Carper (D-DE), Gary Peters (D-MI), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Bob Casey (D-PA).