Hundreds of public school teachers from Houston gathered at The Revaire on Thursday, March 31, for a teacher appreciation event hosted by Good Reason Houston. The nonprofit, which supports public school districts and charter networks throughout the city to improve their campuses and increase the number of Houston kids learning in great public schools, offered local teachers something they truly deserve – a night off!
This was the inaugural year for “The Greatest Educators on Earth” event, and educators from across the city enjoyed an evening of food, fun, and fellowship. Teachers and school staff attended from a diverse range of districts and networks, including: Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, Channelview ISD, Galena Park ISD, Houston ISD, KIPP, Pasadena ISD, Sheldon ISD, Spring ISD, Spring Branch ISD, YES Prep, and more.
Good Reason Houston Board Chair Scott McClelland shared his gratitude for teachers during the event. “I’m a product of public schools, my kids are products of public schools, my grandkids go to public school,” Scott said. “Along with my parents, the people who made the biggest impression on me were many of the teachers I had. Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished but more importantly, thank you for everything you do, not just in the last two years, but every year.”
Houston ISD Superintendent Millard House II was in attendance and had encouraging words for teachers as well. His district is the largest in Texas, and like most districts in the country, is facing a shortage of teachers. Good Reason Houston works to retain and recruit high-quality talent, and events like this help do just that. “If you think about the past two years and how that has impacted our teachers, there’s no doubt we need to shower them with gratitude and appreciation,” said Good Reason Houston CEO Alex Elizondo. “Part of our work to strengthen schools and student outcomes means identifying ways to retain high-quality teachers; they are the most important part of our public education system, and we want them to know that.”
The appreciation event was sponsored by Good Reason Houston, Frost Bank, and Waterford.org. Pictures from the event will be posted on our Facebook page.
