Teacher Appreciation Week is an important national holiday celebrated the first full week of May. Teachers are crucial members of society. They are educators, mentors, guides, and inspirations.

"Teachers do all they can for their students, and we’re doing all we can for teachers. We’re transforming our appreciation into action that protects students, strengthens public schools, and ensures educators are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve." —National Education Association

Here are three ways you can turn appreciation into action:

• Write to Congress
• Learn how to make your voice heard locally
• Share a message on social media, tagging @NEAToday, and using #ThankATeacher.

Did you know Bump Under the Rug was a mystery story Danielle Lynch Nicholson started writing in the fourth grade? Her teacher, the now late Mrs. Marguerite Gotshall, encouraged her to finish it. Danielle found the story 25 years later in a keepsake box and decided to follow her teacher's advice and complete the story.

"Thank you, Mrs. Gotshall, for inspiring me to become a writer." —Danielle Lynch Nicholson

Now Danielle goes to schools to read her book and inspire the next generation of writers!