Sacramento - California today celebrates “Day of the Teacher.” This is the 26th anniversary of the day established to give special recognition to teachers for their contributions to education and the lives of California’s children. The United States celebrates National Teacher Day on May 6. 

“Day of the Teacher has always been a time to recognize the positive impact of teachers across our state. As a former career educator myself, I can tell you that helping students grow and learn is one of the most rewarding and irreplaceable services that our teachers provide year-in and year-out,” said Karnette.

“This year’s Day of the Teacher takes on special meaning for students and school districts who may lose many of their best educators due to proposed education budget cuts issued by the Governor.  I applaud the Governor for trying to insulate education from draconian cuts, but his proposed $4 billion school funding cut could still result in reduced education quality.  Thousands of teachers and education support professionals could still be laid-off under the Governor’s revised budget plan and that really puts a damper on the enthusiasm for Day of the Teacher in 2008.”
 
“This year, Day of the Teacher is not only a celebration of the immense value that teachers make to young minds, and society as a whole, but it’s also a call to action.  The best way to show appreciation for state teachers is to give them the tools and funding that they need to succeed.”