Staff Reports
As part of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers Week, Hoosier teachers are invited to visit an Indiana state park, reservoir or state forest for free on Sept. 12.
“If there’s one thing the last year has taught us, it’s that great teachers change lives,” Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said. “Indiana is proud to partner with the Indianapolis Host Committee to give all Indiana teachers — our 2021 Teachers of the Year — the recognition they so deserve.”
Through a partnership between the Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 2022 CFP Indianapolis Host Committee and CFP Foundation, one-time free admission is available to any DNR property that day when educators present their school identification.
“While the DNR protects, enhances and preserves Indiana’s natural, cultural and recreational resources, it is Indiana’s teachers who strengthen and grow our most important resource,” said Dan Bortner, director of the Indiana DNR. “It is an honor to host them and celebrate their efforts.”
In addition, IDOE and CFP will host special recognition events for teachers on that day at five state parks across Indiana: Salamonie Lake (Huntington County), Indiana Dunes State Park (Porter County), Fort Harrison State Park (Marion County), Brown County State Park (Brown County) and Patoka Lake (Dubois County). These events will include food, music, activities and resources for teachers and their families.
“Indiana’s educators are continuing the incredibly important work of keeping our students safely learning through challenging times,” said Katie Jenner, Indiana secretary of education. “Our educators’ work makes a major difference — for our students and for our state — and I’m ecstatic that in turn, we can come together as one state to celebrate how great teachers change lives. Let’s elevate and support Indiana’s educators on Sept. 12, during other CFP celebratory events and every day.”
These events are a lead-in to the 2022 CFP National Championship, which will take place Jan. 10, 2022, in Indianapolis.
In addition to free state park admission, IDOE is partnering with the Indianapolis Host Committee and CFP Foundation to celebrate Indiana’s educators with a range of statewide events, including:
Extra Yard for Teachers Week: Throughout this annual weeklong celebration from Sept. 10 to 18, the Indiana college football community will let teachers know they are valued, respected and needed through teacher appreciation events, experiences and giveaways.
Who Is Your Indiana Teacher of the Year?: As part of Extra Yard for Teachers Week, this social media campaign will encourage Indiana residents to recognize teachers they admire by nominating them with the #INTOY21 social media hashtag as well as by submitting an online form. Nominated teachers will receive prizes and recognition.
Tailgate Tour: This fall, the Indianapolis Host Committee will travel to high school football games across the state to cheer on teachers and coaches through the inaugural Indiana Tailgate Tour. The Tailgate Tour began Aug. 20 and will continue through the middle of October. The tour will include prizes, games and opportunities for communities to recognize teachers.