The Houston Independent School District will extend its thanks to nearly 12,000 teachers who serve in HISD classrooms during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2— May 6.

On Teacher Appreciation Day, scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, HISD will host a ceremony for seniors who were accepted into the district’s new Teach Forward Houston program. Through the Teach Forward Houston fellowship program, HISD graduates interested in obtaining a degree in education are eligible for free tuition at University of Houston in exchange for teaching four years in HISD after graduation.

HISD teachers spend more than 170 days every year educating students, and the work they do extends beyond the classroom. Teachers inspire, support and challenge students. During Teacher Appreciation Week, students and parents are encouraged to use the hashtag #HISDHero and #ThankaTeacher to send messages to their favorite teachers. Students are also asked to take a picture with their favorite teacher and post it to social media.

HISD is also asking students to pick a Fan Favorite among the campus-based Teacher of the Year nominees by taking part in an online survey. The first round of voting ends Friday, May 6. The two elementary, middle, and high school teachers with the most votes will move on to round two of the survey. The teacher with the most votes will be announced as the HISD Fan Favorite during the district’s Educator of the Year banquet on May 20.               

Who:                 HISD Trustee Wanda Adams, HISD Interim Superintendent Ken Huewitt, Chief Human Resources Officer Gloria Cavazos, Major Projects Officer Rick Cruz, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Andrew Houlihan, University of Houston Dean of Education Dr. Robert McPherson, principals, students, and community members

When:                Tuesday, May 3, 2016, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Where:              Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center

4400 W. 18th St., 77092