Dear community member,
Almost all of us had a teacher who encouraged us, challenged us, and helped us feel seen. I still remember how much my teachers meant to me when I first came to the United States from Iraq at age 9.
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and the Santa Cruz COE invites you to help us recognize the educators whose care, creativity, and commitment shape the lives of students across Santa Cruz County.
If there is a TK-12 teacher in Santa Cruz County you would like to celebrate, please take a moment to complete our short nomination form. Nominations are accepted through Friday, May 8, and we will create a personalized digital certificate of appreciation to share with every teacher who is nominated.
I am also looking forward to honoring this year’s Santa Cruz County Educator of the Year Award recipients. Throughout Teacher Appreciation Week, we will be announcing the inspiring educators and education partners who will be recognized at the May 21 meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Education.
Several community partners and organizations are also helping celebrate educators this week. The Downtown Santa Cruz Association has compiled a list of special offers from participating downtown businesses for teachers, educators, and school support staff who present a school badge. Educators may also wish to review the 2026 roundup from We Are Teachers, which is tracking national Teacher Appreciation Week deals and freebies.
Know of another local Teacher Appreciation Week offer? Please reply directly to this newsletter or email [email protected] so we can help share it with our school community.
And to every teacher, educator, and school staff member: Thank you, so much, for all you to support students to learn, grow, and thrive.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools