Press Release: 5/7/2026

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week with Launch of New Educator Discounts Directory

 

Directory is part of Governor Healey’s Child Care Task Force in recognition of dedication and impact of early education and care professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

5/06/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Kim N. Le, Director of Communications

 Phone

Call Kim N. Le, Director of Communications at 617-823-4874

 Online

Email Kim N. Le, Director of Communications at Kim.Le@mass.gov

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today is launching a new Educator Discounts Directory in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week and as part of Governor Maura Healey’s Early Education and Child Care Task Force. The directory aims to provide meaningful, everyday financial relief and acknowledgment for educators who are critical to Massachusetts’ economic vitality and long-term success.

Developed in collaboration with Mass Cultural Council, the state’s arts agency, the Educator Discounts Directory connects early education and care and K-12 professionals with a broad range of discounts from local arts and cultural organizations statewide. The initiative recognizes the essential role educators play in supporting children, families, and communities.

 “Teachers are the heart of our schools, child care programs and our communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re recognizing the impact they have on our students and families and taking steps to support them. This new directory is a simple way to recognize their work and help them save money, while connecting them to the arts and cultural organizations that make Massachusetts so special.”

“Teachers play an essential role in shaping the lives of our children as mentors, role models, and advocates, often without the recognition they deserve,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “During Teacher Appreciation Week, we encourage families and communities to take a moment to thank the educators who make a difference every day, and we’re proud to support initiatives that uplift and invest in educators.”

Governor Healey established the Early Education and Child Care Task Force in recognition of the essential role child care plays in driving the state’s economy and competitiveness forward. During the first year, the group hosted a series of 14 listening sessions across Massachusetts to hear directly from hundreds of parents, child care providers, and community stakeholders. One of the main themes from the listening sessions was that there is an important opportunity to build the public’s appreciation and respect for the critical role early educators play in the healthy development of young learners. Providers cited the need for better compensation and benefits, and other offers K-12 educators are eligible for (e.g., discounts for school supplies), in order to improve recruitment and retention of child care educators and staff.

“I want to thank all early childhood professionals for the critical and passionate hard work they do every day to educate our youngest learners. Your work does not go unnoticed,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “This new Educator Directory recognizes the vital role educators play in our communities and supports the state’s local art and cultural organizations.”

“Massachusetts educators play a vital role in preparing our future workforce, starting with our youngest learners in early education and child care,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “The Educator Discounts Directory is one way to recognize the hard work, dedication, and impact educators have on Massachusetts students. This Teacher Appreciation Week, make sure to thank educators for supporting our students, strengthening our communities, and shaping Massachusetts’ future.”

 “Educators give so much of themselves to support and inspire the next generation,” said Undersecretary of Business Strategies Zenobia Moochhala. “This directory is about giving something back — creating more opportunities for educators to experience and enjoy the arts, culture and community spaces across Massachusetts."

“Teacher Appreciation Week is a chance to recognize the extraordinary commitment of our early educators — the workforce behind the workforce who make it possible for families and our economy to thrive,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Kershaw. “Through initiatives like the Educator Discounts Directory, we are taking concrete steps to show our gratitude and to nurture the creativity of the people that makes high-quality early education and care possible.”

“Mass Cultural Council recognizes that participation in the arts is essential to overall wellbeing, and that educators, who give so much of themselves to their students every day, deserve the time and space to nurture their own creativity,” said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “We encourage teachers to take time for themselves through the arts in whatever way is meaningful to them. We also applaud the many cultural organizations across the Commonwealth that have voluntarily opened their doors to educators at a discounted rate with this initiative, demonstrating a shared commitment of the cultural sector to supporting those who shape the next generation.”

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations, Secretary Zrike, Commissioner Kershaw, local officials and community members gathered at Nurtury Early Education in Jamaica Plain. The visit included time in classrooms and conversations with educators and support staff, highlighting the importance of investing in those who care for and teach young children.

"We were proud to welcome state leaders to Nurtury Early Education to celebrate early educators during Teacher Appreciation Week,” said Laura Perille, President & CEO of Nurtury Early Education. “Early educators are essential to children’s development, families’ stability, and the strength of our communities. Thank you to the Executive Office of Education and Mass Cultural Council for including early educators in the new Educator Discounts Directory. This directory will be a great resource and opportunity for educators, and we are grateful to be part of the continued investment in the early education workforce.”

The administration has made strengthening the early education and care system a priority, with a focus on workforce development, affordability, and program quality. The launch of the directory reflects ongoing efforts to elevate the profession and provide tangible benefits to those working in the field, including strengthening the Early Childhood Educator Scholarship Program and launching the first-ever Early Childhood Educator Loan Repayment Program.

"Our state's future is tied to our children's success, and so we must do everything we can to lift up the educators who dedicate their careers to shaping that collective future," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate is systemically working to reduce costs for Massachusetts residents. As those policies move forward, I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for implementing this practical tool that will save real money for educators who are doing right by our students and families."

EEC encourages educators and providers to explore the new directory and take advantage of the available discounts. Additional resources and supports for educators will continue to be rolled out as part of the Task Force’s work. For more information about the Educator Discounts Directory and other EEC initiatives, please visit mass.gov/EEC.