Tell us a story

Every May, people celebrate National Teacher Appreciation week. This year, Orange County Democratic Women will collect stories about teachers to share publicly as a special way to express thanks to all educators and to inspire others.

Share your teacher story. Did a special teacher inspire you? Did one of them impact your life or help you find new interests or skills?

We are currently accepting submissions from individuals who have a story they want to tell about an Orange County educator who helped shape their life.

If your story is selected it will be featured on our web site and in a printed journal which will be available at the Orange County Democratic Women's annual dinner, “Education Has the Power to Change the World."

On April 27, Orange County Democratic Women will recognize teachers for their contribution at the gala. We’d like your story to be seen by as many people as possible.

If you’d want your story to be seen in time for National Teacher Day, send it as an email to ocdwpres@gmail.com before March 21. Include contact information. Please keep it to 300 words.

Teacher Appreciation Day did not have an easy start. In 1944, an Arkansas teacher named Mattye Whyte Woodridge tried to establish a national day to honor teachers. Woodridge wrote letters to politicians, education leaders, and eventually the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

In 1953, Mrs. Roosevelt convinced Congress to proclaim the first National Teacher Day.

It took another 30 years for it to become an annual event.

It is held on the first Tuesday of a full week in May.

Willa Freiband, president
Orange County Democratic Women

Central Valley