Extra Yard for Teachers Week Celebrates Educators Across the Country
College football came together to celebrate educators nationwide during Extra Yard for Teachers Week, September 12-19. More than 100 universities and bowl games took part in teacher recognitions and activations that supported thousands of classrooms and students across the country.
Throughout the week, the CFP Foundation and its partners brought celebrations directly into classrooms, schools, and stadiums. Student-athletes, coaches, mascots, spirit squads, and campus leaders surprised educators with awards, classroom resources, and funding, including DonorsChoose support and schoolwide awards. On game days, FBS teams across the country recognized teachers with on-field and video-board tributes, complimentary tickets, VIP experiences, pep rallies, and other special moments designed to put educators at the center of the college football experience.
Student-athletes also shared personal stories about educators who shaped their lives, carrying the celebration onto social media, through videos and testimonials. Examples include:
Michigan junior defensive back Jacob Oden recognized his former science teacher, Mrs. Washington, thanking her for her role in his development.
Georgia football student-athletes visited classrooms to personally celebrate educators in person.
The ACC and its 18 member institutions continued their partnership with the CFP Foundation through gameday, digital, and social programming, as well as classroom support.
Notre Dame honored teachers through its Teachers Inspire Champions campaign, which included a classroom makeover and ribbon-cutting.
The Big Day for Teachers on September 15 extended the celebration even further, with partners bringing surprise visits, classroom funding, and teacher recognition directly into schools and communities. CFP and CFP Foundation staff surprised multiple teachers at a local school with classroom resources and presented the principal with $5,000 to support the school, while all six CFP bowls participated through events, news conferences, classroom surprises, and other educator-focused activations.
"When schools have the resources and support they need, educators and students thrive,” said Tim Hise, Chief Executive Officer, United to Learn. “The [CFP Foundation’s] Big Day for Teachers celebrates the vital role teachers play in strong communities and the difference we can make when we rally around them,"
Across the country, partners also provided grants, DonorsChoose funding, supplies, and other classroom resources, turning a week of recognition into lasting support for educators and their students.