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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 1999

News Release

National Teacher Day Gains New Meaning in Wake of Colorado Shooting

Heroic Teachers Continue Tradition of Putting Students First

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On May 4, 1999, the nation will celebrate the 46^th annual National Teacher Day. Nationwide students, parents and communities will honor teachers for dedicating their lives to educating America's children. The commitment and devotion of teachers to their students took on new meaning on April 20, 1999. On that fateful day at Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado, courageous teachers guided their students to safety.

"The enormous bravery and spirit demonstrated by the staff and teachers of Jefferson County was in keeping with the profession's time-honored tradition of putting students first," said National Education Association President Bob Chase. "National Teacher Day is an opportunity for the nation to honor the everyday heroes who daily give of themselves to their students. To do that, NEA is committing itself to identifying and promoting new ways to safeguard our schools and restore our schools as sanctuaries," added Chase.

Dave Sanders, teacher and coach at Columbine High School, made the ultimate sacrifice of his life to save students' lives. Like fellow teacher Shannon Wright in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Dave Sanders put the well-being of his students before his own.

On May 4, the National Education Association calls on the nation to remember and gain inspiration from the Columbine High School teacher for his commitment to students, as well as the 3 million other teachers who are our nation's unsung heroes and create countless small miracles in their classrooms every day.