Mayor Taveras, Superintendent Dr. Susan Lusi, Providence Teachers Union President Steve Smith Host Celebration Event in Honor of City's Public School Teachers

Over 350 school staff and recent retirees attended reception, held during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Mayor Angel Taveras, Providence Public School District Superintendent Dr. Susan Lusi and Providence Teachers Union President Steve Smith hosted a celebratory reception last night, in honor of the city's public school teachers and staff.

Over 350 school staff, recent retirees and members of the Providence School Board, including President Keith Oliveira, attended the reception, held during Teacher Appreciation Week. Teacher Appreciation Week is observed nationally and in local municipalities, giving communities an opportunity to express heartfelt thanks to dedicated, skilled, hardworking and caring teachers.

"Providence public school teachers played a pivotal role in my life," said Mayor Angel Taveras. "I thank our teachers and school staff for their work every day to expand opportunities for our students."

The celebration, which featured hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, raffle prizes and entertainment by Community Music Works, was held at the Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park. In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, breakfasts were also held at all Providence public schools earlier this week.

"Teachers make a difference to hundreds, even thousands of children across the span of a career," said Dr. Susan Lusi. "While many of us naturally take pride as parents in shaping the lives of our children, teachers' influence ripples exponentially across generations of children who spend hours each day under their care and tutelage. Our more than 1,900 teaching professionals have our collective gratitude for their work in this district, in the schools and in the community."

Twenty-five recent Providence Public School retirees were honored as part of the event. Retirees received a citation, certificate and award for their service. The twenty-five retirees have nearly 450 years of service between them.

"I'm proud to recognize the work that Providence teachers do every day. It has been my privilege to represent the best teachers in the State of Rhode Island. I want to thank the Mayor for honoring and recognizing the outstanding job and professionalism that Providence teachers exhibit," said PTU President Steve Smith.