Oak Park Teachers Association - D97

06/05/2026

Happy National Donut Day to the best educators around! 🍩 OPTA appreciates all of our educators a whole hole lot and everything you do for our students and community every day.

06/03/2026

Happy first day of summer break! ⛱️☀️
Many OPTA members are already back in the buildings today and are working to get ready for next school year... summer school, meetings, professional development, National Boards, tutoring, lesson planning, team and department collaboration time... just to name a few. Yes, we're doing the work that needs to be done even when we have "time off."

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, OPTA remembers those who gave their lives while serving. And we’re thinking of those who have lost someone they love.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all mother figures!

We also recognize that today may be a difficult day and our hearts go out to those that have experienced loss or have different relationships with their families.

05/08/2026

Every day, OPTA educators show up for our students, schools, and communities. From inspiring our students’ curiosity to igniting their love of learning, we are grateful for their patience and we appreciate their dedication. But we know appreciating their hard work goes well beyond kind words. True appreciation means respect, competitive wages, and a voice at the table where decisions about our schools and students’ futures are made. The quality of a student’s education depends on the quality of their educators. When we respect educators, students benefit most. Educators who feel valued and respected remain in our schools, building a meaningful careers dedicated to the thousands of students they teach, inspire, and help to reach their full potential. Thank you for all you do everyday!

05/07/2026

Celebrate Black Teacher Appreciation Day! 🖤

This year's theme is "Black Resistance and Joy: Celebrating Black Educators and Teaching as a Practice of Freedom" because Black teachers have always known that teaching is an act of liberation. As we mark the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, we honor the legacy of Carter G. Woodson and every Black educator who has carried forward that tradition of teaching as freedom.

🖤 Shout out a Black teacher who inspired you → Use

🖤 Share your story → Post about a Black teacher who made a difference using

🖤 Follow & engage with organizations advocating for Black educators!

05/06/2026

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we encourage you to spotlight the remarkable educators who go above and beyond for our students and communities.

These may be teachers who:
• Organize food drives or other essential supports for students
• Create welcoming, safe environments for students and families
• Build union strength
• Mentor fellow educators
• Develop innovative programs or teaching practices
• Work tirelessly to support special education students

Share their inspiring stories in the comments!

05/05/2026

This year for Teacher Appreciation Week, show your gratitude to educators by showing up and speaking out.

You can:
💙Tell teachers how much you care about their work, AND tell lawmakers to protect and fund public schools
💙Drop off a gift card AND drop by a school board meeting
💙Shout out your appreciation on social media AND vote for pro-public education
candidates

Send an e-card to thank your favorite teachers today! >>>

Spread the love during Teacher Appreciation Week

05/04/2026

Teacher Appreciation Week begins today! Let’s show our dedicated teachers how much we appreciate them by transforming appreciation into ACTION. That means respect, fair wages, and a voice at the table when decisions about our schools and students’ futures are made.

Here are some ways to turn your APPRECIATION into ACTION:
💙 Support collective bargaining rights in your state. Educators earn more—24% more, on average—where they have strong unions and the freedom to bargain collectively.
💙 Vote for pro-public education candidates for your school board, state house, and U.S. Congress.
💙 Speak up for teachers at school board meetings. Ensure their voices and needs are heard by local leaders who decide funding, salaries, benefits, class sizes, and more.