Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9) provides opportunities for parents and students across the country to say “thanks” to the people who inspire them every day. This year, University of Phoenix College of Education surveyed K-12 teachers nationwide about why they entered the profession, the challenges they face and how they want parents to be involved in the classroom.

When asked the reasons why they became teachers, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of K-12 teachers say it was because they wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and 72 percent say it was because they enjoy working with children. Nearly half (49 percent) say a teacher inspired them when they were a student and more than one-third (34 percent) say they wanted to inspire change in education. The newly released online survey of more than 1,000 full-time K-12 teachers in the U.S. was conducted on behalf of University of Phoenix College of Education by Harris Poll in the fourth quarter of 2013.

“There is great demand for quality educators and teaching offers unique professional benefits,” said Eve Breier, Ed.D., college chair for University of Phoenix College of Education, and a former public school teacher. “As a teacher, you can be innovative, experimental and self-reflect each day on how you can make improvements the very next day or the following school year. Teachers have the ability to impact lives and provide support for children that directly helps set them on successful paths.”