Supporting the designation of the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week".

Bill Number

H.Res. 1255

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-04: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-05-18T15:24:34Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1255) supports designating the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week" to recognize the work of the nation's approximately 3 million public school teachers.

Key Provisions

• Background ("Whereas" clauses): Highlights teachers as the foundation of education; notes bipartisan efforts to support teachers; cites surveys showing teachers feel unheard (only 19% recommend the profession); lists strong teacher support (70-93%) for:
• Federal protections against discrimination based on gender and sexual identity.
• Undocumented students' right to public school.
• Funding for key programs like Title I (aid for low-income schools) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (special education support).
• Public service loan forgiveness for educators.
• Culturally relevant teaching materials.
• Data collection to address achievement gaps.
• Reserving public funds for public schools.
• A fully staffed Department of Education.
• Innovations like AI tools, team-teaching, differentiated pay (e.g., for hard-to-staff areas or high performers), and diversifying teacher demographics.
• Actions ("Resolved" clauses): The House of Representatives:

1. Supports the "Teacher Appreciation Week" designation.
2. Recognizes teachers' role in shaping students and communities.
3. Respects teachers' efforts to improve teaching practices.
4. Affirms teachers should influence education policy at federal, state, and local levels.
5. Encourages leaders to engage directly with teachers on classroom-impacting policies.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's support and views; it does not amend laws, appropriate funds, or create enforceable requirements.

Potential Impacts

• Symbolic and awareness-raising: Promotes appreciation for teachers and highlights their priorities, potentially influencing public discourse on education.
• On citizens: May encourage communities to value and support educators, indirectly benefiting students through better teacher retention and input.
• On government: Urges federal, state, and local leaders to consult teachers, but imposes no mandates; no effects on agencies or international relations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Public school teachers (primary focus, ~3 million nationwide).
• Students (especially in public schools, including underserved groups).
• Education policymakers (Congress, state/local officials, Department of Education).
• Bipartisan sponsors (over 40 House members from both parties).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: None, as it is symbolic and does not alter laws, rights, or government structure.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus on teacher appreciation and key issues like funding protections and professional innovations; signals House support for teacher involvement in policy without binding action, potentially shaping future debates on education reform.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]

Cosponsors (63)

Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5] and 13 more

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-04: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2026-05-04: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Supporting the designation of the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week". — issued 2026-05-04 — PDF (4 pages)

Related Bills

• H.Res. 380 (119th Congress)