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SR 44

Resolution; recognizing the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week and honoring Oklahoma educators.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carri Hicks

Declares May 4–8, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week in Oklahoma to formally recognize and honor pre-K–12 teachers and their impact on students and communities.

Coauthored by Senator Boren, Brooks, Dossett, Goodwin, Kirt, Mann, Nice
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Bill Summary · SR 44

Summary: SR 44 (2026) – Teacher Appreciation Week Recognition (Oklahoma)

Overview

  • Type: Senate Resolution
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Oklahoma, 2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
  • Sponsors: Prime sponsor Sen. Hicks; coauthors Sen. Boren, Brooks, Dossett, Goodwin, Kirt, Mann, Nice; co-sponsor Sen. Carri Hicks
  • Status: Introduced and read for the first time on April 27, 2026

Purpose and Intent

  • To formally recognize and designate a period of appreciation for teachers in Oklahoma.
  • Specifically, to acknowledge the importance and impact of educators in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Key Provisions

  • Designation: The first week of May is declared as Teacher Appreciation Week in the State of Oklahoma.
  • Dates Covered: May 4 through May 8, 2026.
  • Scope: Applies to all Oklahoma educators serving in pre-k through 12th grade, including the approximately 42,556 teachers and the more than 686,718 students they teach, as stated in the resolution.
  • Rationale/Context (as stated in the text):
    • References historical origins of Teacher Appreciation Week (Eleanor Roosevelt’s advocacy in 1953; National PTA designation in 1984).
    • Emphasizes teachers’ roles in lesson planning, evaluation, counseling, coaching, and community service.
    • Highlights teachers as foundational to the American education system and their daily positive impact on students.

Impact and Implications

  • Recognition Focus: Provides formal, statewide acknowledgment of teachers for the designated week.
  • Public Messaging: Creates an official platform for recognizing and celebrating educators in Oklahoma during May 4–8, 2026.
  • Procedural/Legal Effect: As a resolution, it expresses the sentiment of the Oklahoma Senate and does not appear to impose new mandates, funding, or regulatory changes. It serves primarily as symbolic recognition.
  • Who is Affected: All Oklahoma pre-K–12 teachers and their students; the general public and school communities may observe, celebrate, and participate in appreciation activities during the designated week.

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • Introduction/First Reading: April 27, 2026.
  • Next Steps (if advanced): As a resolution, passage would typically require approval by the Senate and House, followed by any potential signature by the Governor. The text indicates formal recognition for the week of May 4–8, 2026, should the resolution be enacted.

Bottom Line

SR 44 is a ceremonial bill recognizing May 4–8, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week in Oklahoma and honoring educators for their contributions to students and communities. It reflects statewide support for teachers and aligns with national traditions recognizing teacher contributions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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