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Savannah Celebrates National Teacher’s Day with Special Event

Educators gather at the Savannah event celebrating National Teacher's Day.

News Summary

The Savannah chapter of Phi Delta Kappa celebrated National Teacher’s Day with an appreciation event for educators. The event, led by Dr. Tony Foy, emphasized the importance of teachers in fostering knowledge and building strong relationships with students. Community donations provided a spread of food for attendees, highlighting the commitment to support educators. The event aligns with ongoing efforts to address teacher shortages in Georgia and reinforce the value of teaching as a vocation.

Savannah Celebrates National Teacher’s Day with Special Event

On May 6, 2025, the Savannah chapter of Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) celebrated National Teacher’s Day with an appreciation event for educators in the region. The event highlighted the vital role teachers play in fostering knowledge and learning and was led by Dr. Tony Foy, Principal of Andrea B. Williams Elementary School.

National Teacher’s Day has a long history, having been recognized since 1953. Initially celebrated in March, it has been observed during the first full week of May since 1985. This tradition honors the essential contributions of teachers nationwide.

Community Engagement and Celebration

Kappan Betty Morgan, the chapter Treasurer, coordinated a donation for the event, which included a spread of pastries, sandwiches, fruits, and beverages for attending teachers. This gathering served as a reminder of the hard work and commitment educators show every day in the classroom.

Event speakers reflected on the significance of strong relationships between teachers and students. Dr. Foy, a former educator recognized as Teacher of the Year and SCCPSS District Finalist, emphasized that successful teaching starts with building connections. He believes that teachers are key to making a difference in their students’ lives.

Shirley Spears, chapter President, echoed this sentiment by recalling Eleanor Roosevelt’s advocacy for high-quality teaching, aligning it with the importance of professional rapport in education. Dr. Foy’s recent accolade, receiving the Excellence in Leadership Award from SCCPSS Superintendent Dr. S. Denise Watts, further underscored his dedication to educational excellence.

Long-standing Commitment to Education

The Phi Delta Kappa Savannah Chapter has been an advocate for public education for over fifty years and is affiliated with PDK International. Their support includes the annual Educators Rising Scholarships for high school students pursuing teaching careers.

As part of a wider effort to recruit more educators, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) launched the “Teach in the Peach” initiative. This program aims to enhance Georgia’s reputation as the #1 state for teachers and includes resources such as a statewide job map, career quizzes, and personalized certifications to aid future educators. Contributions from over 250 individuals led to the creation of this teaching resource site.

Addressing Teacher Shortages

Both nationally and locally, schools face challenges in hiring and retaining qualified teachers, with many reporting significant staff shortages and a decline in the quality of applicants. Principal Jacob Horne of Benedictine Military School noted ongoing concerns regarding the impact of teacher shortages on both public and private education sectors.

In response to these needs, a Private and Independent School Hiring Open House is scheduled for February 1, 2025, to collectively address hiring needs among local schools. Furthermore, the state has identified a requirement for approximately 61,500 elementary teachers by 2028, marking a significant 15.8% increase in demand since 2018.

Historically, the University System of Georgia has cut back on education programs, affecting the teacher workforce availability; however, recent expansions have been made to the education program at Savannah State University. In the upcoming school year, Dr. Denise Watts plans to focus on improving literacy rates and overall attendance among students in the district.

Future Directions

As the Savannah chapter of Phi Delta Kappa continues its advocacy efforts, the community is encouraged to recognize and support educators. With initiatives underway aimed at bolstering teacher recruitment and supporting aspiring educators, the local education landscape looks to strengthen its foundation for years to come.