John,

This week, as National Nurses Week, Teacher Appreciation Week and Public Service Recognition Week overlap, we pause to recognize the backbone of our communities—our nurses, educators and public employees.

Our members are professionals who care for our loved ones, protect our kids and keep our public institutions running. They’ve endured pandemics, budget cuts and relentless political attacks—and they keep showing up. They continue fighting for dignity, opportunity and a better life for all of us.

We’re in a perilous moment, filled with economic and political uncertainty. But even in this chaos, AFT members—nurses, teachers and public employees—stand strong for the communities they serve. They are the very definition of public service and solidarity.

To every AFT member in these roles—thank you. We see you. We have your back. And to our larger AFT family of supporters, please join us in acknowledging these incredibly dedicated community members. Take a moment to thank them. Let these everyday heroes know they are not alone.  

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week. Happy Public Service Recognition Week. Happy National Nurses Week.

In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President

P.S. Learn more about our appreciation weeks with the resources below:

• Teacher Appreciation Week resources
• National Nurses Week resources
• Public Service Recognition Week resources