WHEREAS, Since 1984, the first week in May has been recognized as Teacher Appreciation Week: a special time to honor the men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children; and
WHEREAS, National, State, and Local events celebrate the outstanding contributions that teachers make—and we here in Philadelphia embrace this opportunity to express gratitude to our teachers as well; and
WHEREAS, What teachers do for us is no less important than the work of celebrities and athletes who receive so much adulation, and our teachers should certainly be among the most honored professionals in our Society; and
WHEREAS, As Henry James observed: A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops; and
WHEREAS, As John Wooden declared: The teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any other profession; and
WHEREAS, As Albert Einstein concluded: It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge; and
WHEREAS, We should treat our teachers as though every week is Teacher Appreciation Week; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphians are encouraged to thank our teachers for the massive contribution and sacrifice that they make to secure and promote not only our children's futures—but, our own future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes with great gratitude May 4th to 8th as The 2015 Teacher Appreciation Week In Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and its President, Jerry Jordan, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End