Honoring the Heart of the Classroom: Celebrating Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week

Author: Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Published: Friday, 02 May 2025

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Image caption: We’re grateful for teachers who open their classrooms, inspire curiosity, and help students see what’s possible. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week

At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, we believe that behind every confident student, there’s a dedicated teacher helping them dream bigger, reach further, and believe in what’s possible. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re taking a moment to recognize the incredible educators who make our mission come alive in classrooms across our region.

Why Teachers Matter to Junior Achievement (JA)
Teachers are the cornerstone of the JA experience. They open their doors to our volunteers, integrate our programs into their busy schedules, and work tirelessly to give their students opportunities that extend beyond the traditional curriculum. Whether it’s preparing students for a visit to JA BizTown® Mobile, guiding meaningful conversations during a JA Finance Park® Mobile simulation, or helping a classroom volunteer bring financial literacy lessons to life, teachers are essential partners in inspiring and preparing young people for success.
Their passion for education, unwavering support, and belief in their students’ potential allow JA’s hands-on programs to truly make an impact. Simply put, without teachers, JA wouldn’t be possible.

A Week to Say “Thank You” — And Mean It
This week—and every week—we are deeply grateful to the teachers who help bring JA’s lessons to life. You are not just teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. You are helping students discover who they are and what they can achieve.

“JA programs work because teachers believe in the value of real-world learning. They know the power of bringing career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship into the classroom—and they champion that every day. We’re so thankful for their partnership and the lasting impact they make on their students and communities.”
— Dani Carter, Programs Director, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa

So to every teacher we work with: Thank you. Thank you for your time, your collaboration, your flexibility, and most of all, your heart. You help shape the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and change-makers—and we’re honored to be part of that journey with you.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!