Teachers play a critical role in educating and inspiring our children and National Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity to thank educators for continuing to provide a safe and compassionate classroom learning experience each and every day.

NEARI encourages Rhode Islanders this week to say "Thank You" by sharing one of the following on social media during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12:

• A picture of yourself with your favorite teacher, past or present;

• A picture of your child with his or her teacher;

• A picture of yourself holding a piece of paper with a simple message saying Thank You to a teacher and why you’re thanking him or her.

Be sure to use the hashtag #ThankATeacher when sharing!