ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 1, 2017)—National PTA congratulates Sydney Chaffee on her recognition as the 2017 National Teacher of the Year. Chaffee is a high school humanities teacher at Codman Academy public charter school in Boston. Chaffee has taught for 10 years and encourages her students to take risks, stand up for themselves and create change.

“Teachers like Sydney are the reason why so many children across the country have opportunities to turn their dreams into reality,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “National PTA congratulates Sydney on being named the 2017 National Teacher of the Year, and we applaud all of the 2017 State Teachers of the Year for making a lasting impact in their profession and in the lives and futures of our nation’s children.”

In the classroom, Chaffee strives to create lessons that demonstrate how education can be a transformative tool for social justice, and she encourages her students to see themselves as having the power to make change in the world today based on lessons from the past. As the 2017 National Teacher of the Year, Chaffee is looking forward to advocating for all teachers to take risks—on behalf of their students, each other and themselves—to create powerful, authentic learning that will allow students to grow and succeed. She is also committed to giving a voice to the issues that affect her students.

The National Teacher of the Year is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a national selection committee representing leading education organizations, including National PTA. The National Teacher of the Year program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. Each year, the National Teacher of the Year addresses attendees during National PTA’s Annual Convention & Expo.

National PTA also designates the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week to give thanks and give back to educators across the country who deliver so much to students every day.

“Teachers make a profound difference in the well-being and long-term success of children,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. “We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week and thanking teachers for going above and beyond for our kids.” 

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth.