This article was submitted by: Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, Program Director of Student Engagement and Co-Advisor of the Student Advisory Council (SAC)
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week from May 5–9, under the heartfelt theme: “Teachers are the KEY to Our Story.” This districtwide celebration honored the unwavering dedication of educators who inspire, lead, and transform lives across APS classrooms every day.
Districtwide Gifts and School Visits
In keeping with the theme, APS staff visited every school and classroom across the district, delivering a curated selection of APS-branded journals, keychains, and nostalgic snacks—a nod to the “something salty and something sweet” request shared by the APS Teacher Advisory Council.
The response was heartfelt and inspiring. At H.J. Russell West End Academy, one teacher shared:
“Oh my goodness…I’ve never been celebrated like this by a district! Thank you, I feel so special!”
These special deliveries were made possible through the incredible work of APS staff, who helped fulfill and distribute gifts throughout the week.
The Teacher Pop-Up Shop Experience
Separate from the classroom visits, APS hosted a vibrant Teacher Pop-Up Shop at the Instructional Services Center. This exclusive event allowed educators to shop for classroom materials, enjoy good food and music, and build community with one another.
Because of the generous contributions of external partners, including McKenny’s Inc., Renaissance Waverly Hotels, 843 Sneakerman, Jeckil Promotions and EverFi, teachers had access to high-quality supplies and giveaways. Support from district-level departments, including Family Engagement, Teaching and Learning, Partnerships, Strategy and Engagement, and the APS Student Support Hub also contributed to the success of the pop-up shop, which featured exciting raffles, where some lucky attendees won laptops and printers to support their work in the classroom.
Service in Action: C.L.L.A.S.
In addition to the gifts and events, APS launched C.L.L.A.S. (Center for Learning and Leadership Acts of Service). This volunteer initiative mobilizes CLL staff to assist teachers with end-of-year classroom tasks such as organizing student work and packing up materials. It is yet another way to say, “We see you, and we’re here for you.”
CLL staff, have you volunteered to support our amazing teachers? If not, click here to sign up!
Special Thanks
This impactful celebration would not have been possible without the dedication of our APS Teacher Appreciation Week Committee, led by Tesha Byers, including:
Nakhia Hill, Mavis Miller, Crystal Serracin, Cassandra Harrell, Kayla Spragin, Rita McGlothin, Tunishia Dickerson, Cynteria Ross, Christopher Cruz, and Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton.
Special recognition goes to our scholar helpers, Siara from Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy Middle School and Kylie from Howard Middle School, for their thoughtful contributions and hands-on support in making sure APS teachers felt truly celebrated this year!
A Week to Remember
The theme—“Teachers are the KEY to Our Story”—echoed through each interaction and event, reinforcing messages of:
🔑 K – Show yourself some Kindness
🔑 E – Your Efforts never go unnoticed
🔑 Y – Always remember Why you show up every day
To every educator in APS, thank you for your commitment, care, and brilliance. You are the key. We celebrate you!