TeachKind's Teacher Appreciation Contest Winners Have Been Chosen!

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week in May, we asked you to submit stories about how you and your students have been kind to—or have otherwise taken action to help—animals this school year. We heard many inspiring stories, and it was difficult to choose just one from each category. But now we're pleased to be able to announce the winners!

Molly Lile Taylor from Glasgow, Kentucky, won in the grades K-5 category for starting the "Critter Club" at her local animal shelter to teach children about animal welfare and how to treat animals kindly. The club was such a hit that Molly helped the shelter develop a summer session, and it even offers scholarships to children who can't afford to attend. Way to go, Molly!

The winner in the grades 6-12 category, Maru Vigo from Tucson, Arizona, developed a program in her Spanish class to teach kids about greyhounds and how they suffer in the racing industry. She even invited a rescued greyhound, Jett, into her class for a visit, and the students loved him! Maru created the materials for this program with the greyhound-advocacy group GREY2K USA, and they're available on TeachKind's website for you to use. You can find them here. Great work, Maru!

To see photos and read all the details of Molly's and Maru's stories, visit our blog.

Thank you to everyone who sent in your touching stories. We heard about many inspiring teachers who are making humane education come alive in the classroom. Congratulations on a wonderful school year, and thank you for all your hard work and compassion!