Our Teachers and Educators Deserve All the Love

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

– Yeats

Over the past two years, the SSFUSD community has come together to build and realize a bold new vision for students—one that is driven by educators, families, and local leaders. At the heart of this work, educators have led the way, shaping an inspiring Portrait of a Graduate and committing to a rigorous Strategic Plan. Turning this vision into reality requires daily dedication, sustained effort, and a deep belief in what’s possible for students.

Recognizing the immense challenges educators face, SSFUSD and a growing coalition of partners have worked since 2022 to create annual, impactful Educator Appreciation events—grounded in guiding principles crafted by educators themselves.

Why is Educator Appreciation so important?

The National Teacher Shortage

  • In 2023, over 55,000 K-12 teaching positions were vacant.
  • 44% of public schools reported teacher shortages.
  • Each year, an estimated 270,000 teachers and staff leave the profession due to burnout, low pay, or retirement.

Challenges in SSFUSD

  • Recruiting and retaining educators is even harder in high-cost regions like the Bay Area. Building a strong community around our educators is essential—not just to retain top talent but to attract future educators who see South San Francisco as a place where teachers are valued and supported.

The National Crisis of Teacher Satisfaction

  • Only 12% of teachers say they are very satisfied with their jobs.
  • Many feel underappreciated and underpaid.

Inspiring Future Educators

  • The way a community values its educators sends a message to future generations. Local businesses, major companies, and community leaders play a critical role in showing students that teaching is a respected and vital profession.

Last year, we were grateful for the SSF Chamber of Commerce’s leadership in bringing local businesses into this effort. SSFUSD educators make a profound impact every day, and they deserve to feel the full support of their community. Their work creates a ripple effect that touches every corner of South City, and we’re excited to continue building momentum around educator appreciation in the years ahead. 

If you would like to support our Educator Appreciation efforts, please use our Donate form or reach out to us directly.