In recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3–7, Western Governors University Ohio (WGU Ohio) is delivering Teacher Appreciation Kits to a number of K–12 schools in the state, including St. Vincent de Paul School in Mount Vernon.

Teacher Appreciation Kits contain items such as glass candy jars inscribed with “WGU Loves Teachers,” dry erase markers, Post-it Notes, magnets and 25 copies of “I Am Enough,” a book designed to build self-confidence in students.

“It takes a special kind of person to prepare today’s young minds for tomorrow’s challenges, and the heroic efforts by our teachers over the past year deserves extra thanks,” said K.L. Allen, chancellor of WGU Ohio. “Educators and aspiring educators are among our nation’s most crucial professionals, and they deserve our thanks for their sacrifice and determination despite the many disruptions in education this year.”

Allen said WGU Ohio feels a special connection to teachers as the university has helped train a number of Ohioans to earn accredited education degrees and teaching licenses. 

“We are proud of the Ohio educators who are fulfilling their dream of helping students learn thanks to our flexible, online Teachers College, which has allowed them to advance in their careers and study on their own schedules,” he said.

Now through June 30, WGU Ohio is offering $4,000 Teacher Appreciation Scholarships to help make the dream of teaching more accessible for aspiring teachers. This opportunity is for prospective teachers who want to earn their teacher certification as well as for current educators ready to advance their careers. More information is available at wgu.edu/wgulovesteachers.

In addition, WGU Ohio has donated school supplies to nonprofit organizations across the state that support educators, including Crayons to Computers in Cincinnati.

WGU was established in 1997 by a partnership of state governors to offer students, particularly adult learners, the chance to go to college while working and caring for their families. In 2018, Ohio became the eighth state to partner with WGU, part of efforts by policymakers to close Ohio’s skills gap with a new pathway for adults to seek careers in such in-demand careers as teaching, health care and nursing, business, and information technology.