Happy World Teachers Day, friend!

Every day, teachers go above and beyond to make sure our kids have the best chance at a bright future. They’re not just teaching lessons — they’re shaping young minds, mentoring students, and fighting for what’s best for every child in their classrooms.

Our nation’s teachers are often the first to see the challenges our kids face and the last to leave when a student needs extra help. As a teacher with more than 30 years of teaching experience in Florida public schools, I know that the impact of our teachers cannot be underestimated.

I know because my husband Chris, Coach Hixon, made the ultimate sacrifice for his students six years ago.

Chris proudly served Broward County Public Schools as an athletic director and security monitor. He joined Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2014 because he didn’t want students to have to go a year without their favorite sports — he knew the impact a dedicated educator could make when teaching the next generation of leaders.

After he was murdered, I turned my grief into action — working tirelessly to protect our students, teachers, and our schools. As a member of the Broward County school board, I'm always meeting teachers who work overtime to do the same.

Friend, today is a day for us to celebrate our teachers and the hard work they do. But they can’t do their job if they feel unsafe in their own classrooms. We owe it to our teachers and our kids to ensure they never have to face what happened in Parkland six years ago.

Personal safety isn't something that teachers should have to worry about — but the reality is many face a constant threat of violence at school. This shouldn’t be the case.

It’s simple: Standing up for teachers means standing up for America's kids. 

Will you help us make sure our elected officials know what’s at stake? Any amount you can give today will bring us closer to a reality where our teachers aren’t fearful for their lives. Just $25 means we’re that much closer to making the change that needs to happen.

SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS →

Together, we can protect our schools, support our teachers, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Thank a teacher today,

— Debbi Hixon
Board Member, Stand with Parkland