Celebrate School and District Employees in May

There is something special about May. It’s a time when we take a step back to acknowledge and celebrate the many people in education who work hard to ensure students, educators, and families are thriving. A handwritten note of gratitude or a special word of thanks is always a welcome gift that your school or district employee will appreciate this month (and throughout the year). 

School Principals Day 

The month kicks off with School Principals Day on May 1. It’s a day to celebrate and learn more about educational leaders in elementary, middle, and high schools, and the work they do to create welcoming and safe school cultures for students, staff, and families. Find out how you can get your preliminary administrative services credential, the first step to becoming a school administrator.

School Lunch Hero Day

School Lunch Hero Day is May 2 this year. The day is dedicated to acknowledging the creative, generous, and dedicated people on a school’s food service team. Food service professionals are committed to providing a quality, nutritious breakfast and lunch every day so students can focus on learning and growing. Learn how you can celebrate a school lunch hero on your campus. 

National Teacher Appreciation Week

National Teacher Appreciation Week falls on the first full week of May and runs May 5 through 9. National Teacher Appreciation Day is May 6 and California Day of the Teacher is May 14. Every day, teachers go above and beyond for their students, ensuring each child feels safe and supported. These recognition times are an opportunity to let our certificated professionals in the classroom know they are appreciated and valued by the community. Learn how to become a teacher.

SDCOE and Cox Communications recently celebrated the 49 district-nominated teachers of the year at the annual "Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers" event. Find out more about the stellar educators who may go on to compete for one of five spots as San Diego County Teachers of the Year. Those honorees are expected to be announced by June 15.

National School Nurse Day

National School Nurse Day is May 7. Falling within National Nurses Week, it’s a day set aside to learn more about how school nurses bridge health care and education and work to advance the well-being, academic success, and life-long achievements of all students. School nurses do a lot more than ice packs and adhesive bandages, always making sure students feel safe and cared for at school. Find current health topics and other resources for school nurses. 

Classified School Employees Week

Classified School Employees Week is the third full week in May. This year, it falls on May 18 to 24. A classified employee is someone who works at a school, district, or county office in a position that doesn’t require certification. That includes office staff, communication professionals, bus drivers, custodians, business managers, technology staff, and paraprofessionals who support students. 

Three outstanding employees were recently selected to represent San Diego County as Classified School Employees of the Year. The honorees highlight the wide variety of skills that classified school employees bring to school sites, representing health and student services, paraprofessional services, and custodial and maintenance services.

The end of the school year is a fitting time to honor the many people who make our schools great. It takes adults with a wide variety of skills and passion to ensure our young people’s safety in and out of the classroom, care for their physical and mental wellness, and work each day to prepare every child for ample choices in life. Browse school job openings at the San Diego County Office of Education and districts and schools across the county. 

Take a minute this month to thank one of the talented and dedicated school or district staff members who bring their unique strengths each day to support our students.