National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9, and the Idaho Education Association is reminding communities throughout the state why educators matter with a targeted ad campaign.  

What’s the campaign?: “Because of an Educator” features real-life, personal stories from community leaders about the educators who shaped their lives. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anthony Doerr, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, Boise Rock School co-founder Ryan Peck, record-setting Olympian and entrepreneur Kristin Armstrong, and astronaut and IEA retired member Barbara Morgan all sat down for filmed interviews.  

Where you’ll see it: Maybe you already have! Billboards, radio and TV spots, and digital ads have been running throughout the state since late last year.  

Why it matters: IEA received a media grant to develop the campaign as part of IEA’s ongoing efforts to remind Idahoans that public education is a public good — and educators are the very heart of the state’s communities.  

“Most of us have at least one teacher whose guidance and wisdom reverberates throughout our lives — the one who profoundly impacted how we see the world,” said Mike Journee, IEA’s communications director. “Please share your story. At a time when education and public schools are under attack in ways not seen in generations, standing up and telling the world how important our educators are is crucial.” 

What you can do: Everyone — including IEA members — is welcome to contribute to the Because of an Educator campaign by writing personal stories about the educators who lifted them up, inspired them and reminded them why they matter. IEA members are welcome to share the campaign page on their own social media accounts, as well.  

•  Head to the Because of an Educator page on idahoea.org to watch the videos and tell your own story.  

One final thing: Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, IEA! 💙 💚