Campaign will salute inspirational educators

new NYSUT campaign will highlight the important work of educators by soliciting positive stories about teachers, coaches and other inspirational school professionals who have made a difference in the lives of New Yorkers.

Called Educator Inspired, the initiative seeks to build support and respect for the profession, bolster the ranks of educators and underscore the importance of school professionals at a time when the teaching profession is increasingly under attack.

“We all have an educator who inspired us, in ways small and large,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Educators affect our lives for years to come, but many may never know how much they helped us or influenced our path in life. Now is the time to tell them how much they matter.”

Person explained that the need has never been greater for educators to know they’re making a difference as classroom professionals. Increasingly they’re being scapegoated by some politicians for doing their jobs and supporting students, a situation that’s exacerbating a nationwide teacher shortage.

“Educators don’t enter the profession for the money, they do it to make a difference,” Person continued. “We need to promote the education profession: It’s the single most important societal resource we have.”

The Educator Inspired campaign will begin to roll out this fall.