US Teacher Appreciation Week 2021 Begins!

Happy U.S. Teacher Appreciation Week 2021!

Today’s interactive, animated Doodle honors educators across the nation by inviting us all to listen to five real stories of their experiences and the lasting impact they have on their students every single day. Created in partnership with StoryCorps and US-based guest animators Lindsey Deschamps, Monique Wray, and Vrinda Zaveri, today’s Doodle features stories across a spectrum of backgrounds and eras—including the COVID-19 pandemic which has brought unprecedented challenges to the lives of educators and students everywhere.

As you listen to these touching stories, we encourage you to think of a time when a teacher changed your life for the better. Do they know the impact they had on your life? Visit StoryCorps to #ThankAnEducator by using self-directed recording tools to interview a special teacher in your life—or to have a conversation reflecting on their impact with a friend or fellow student. These moments of gratitude will be archived in the Library of Congress.

To educators everywhere: We appreciate you!

Learn more about how Google is celebrating teacher stories this Teacher Appreciation Week.

Thank you to all of our project partners, including

StoryCorps, for working with us to discover these amazing stories, for connecting us to such incredible educators and students, and for their dedicated collaboration every step of the way.

All our story respondents, for your willingness to share your stories with the nation:

Alexia Dukes & Maria Rivera

Pictured: Alexia Dukes & Maria Rivera

“When people hear our story, I hope they feel
connected and vulnerable, with us.”
—Alexia & Maria

Cole Phillips & Rugenia Keefe

Pictured: Rugenia Keefe & Cole Phillips

“When people hear this story, I want them to feel touched.”
—Cole Phillips

Dr. William Lynn Weaver

Pictured: Dr. William Lynn Weaver

“When I hear my husband’s story I am filled
with admiration for all the dedicated and hard-working
teachers who work to create a better future for
young people everywhere.”

 —Kathryn Weaver, wife of
Dr. William Lynn Weaver (1949-2019)

Jose Catalan & Carlos Vizcarra

Pictured: Jose Catalan

“When people hear this story, I hope they feel
the kindness and compassion that there is
in human beings.”
—Jose Catalan

Pictured: Carlos Vizcarra
(Once a runner, always a runner!)

“When people hear this story, I hope they
feel the potential of our humanity.”
—Carlos Vizcarra

Russell King & Paige Macklin

Pictured (left to right): Paige Macklin, Russell King as
Miss Richfield, & Bill Macklin

“When people hear this story, I want them to feel the
same surprise and joy I felt when
I was reunited with my former student
from 45 years earlier.”
—Paige Macklin

Today’s Doodle was art directed by Doodlers Angelica McKinley and Sophie Diao, who was also the voice behind the Doodle’s introduction. The art was created by guest artists Lindsey Deschamps, Monique Wray, and Vrinda Zaveri as well as Doodlers Alyssa Winans and Olivia When. Below, they all share their thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Art Directors Angelica & Sophie

This project gave us the opportunity to reflect on the teachers who have made an impact on both of our lives. For many of them, their roles as educators didn’t just end when the school day was over. It was more than a profession for them: it was a calling. 

Sophie had a wide network of Chinese and Taiwanese immigrant educators in her life in addition to the public school teachers she had growing up. Her Chinese school teachers taught her to read and write Mandarin as well as piano and traditional Chinese painting. Without these educators, she would have a much less complete understanding of her heritage.

Angelica had a teacher—fondly called “Pop”—as she grew up in Memphis, Tennessee with whom she shared a deep love of history and reading. They continued to keep in touch throughout her school days & beyond. Her brother is also currently a substitute teacher in history and aims to be a mentor for other young Black men, just as Pop was. He’s also currently pursuing his Masters in Education virtually—and she couldn’t be more proud. 

For both of us, this Doodle is a huge THANK YOU to all the educators from our lives and beyond, especially those navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID pandemic. We hope both teachers and students feel seen in the audio stories we included. To teachers everywhere: Your unique efforts to reach individual students and willingness to step up in so many ways shaped our future and the futures of all students more than you know.

Lindsey Deschamps | Guest artist based in Salt Lake City, UT
Created artwork for: Russell & Paige’s story

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: I was lucky to have great teachers growing up who helped me get to where I am now. My art teacher in high school introduced me to design and showed me how I could have a creative career. Teachers make a big difference for kids, and I'm happy I could help tell this great story.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: I loved taking a deep dive into how schools looked in the 70's. I also have a lot of fond memories of school music class, so it was fun to translate those into illustrations.

Q: What do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I hope people can be inspired by King's story. I hope people will help the kids in their lives explore and feel confident about who they are.

Monique Wray | Guest artist based in San Francisco, CA
Created artwork for: Dr. William Lynn Weaver’s story

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: I had a few teachers who believed in me and pushed me to excel. My second-grade teacher (Ms. Crawford, I’ll never forget her) was incredibly supportive of my art. She helped me believe I could one day be a visual storyteller encouraging me to create my own characters and stories. I think her support was a defining moment in my childhood and, in a way, has helped me be who I am today.

Q: What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the project?

A: Being approached was a humbling and a welcomed surprise. One of my personal favorite Google Doodle animations, 2014’s Valentine’s Day “4ever Yours”, was used as part of the creative brief for this project. The experience is a full circle moment.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: I took inspiration from black-and-white ink drawings, similar to a style I’ve enjoyed using in my work. We leaned on simplicity. Also, “4Ever Yours” was an inspiration as well! I still LOVE this Doodle’s wit—the way the visuals complement the audio component and enhance this lovely story in a non-fussy way.

Q: What do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I hope people see the impact an individual believer can have on one’s life. 
You do not need an entire army of support. One person invested in your future and success is enough to make a difference—quality over quantity.

Vrinda Zaveri | Guest artist based in San Francisco, CA
Created artwork for: Alexia & Maria’s story

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: My teachers have played an important role in encouraging me to pursue a creative career, as well as helping me with my mental health during difficult times in high school. It's an honor to share the appreciation of teachers helping students navigate through this unusual and difficult time.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: The thing that reminds me most of my teachers and school is chalk and chalkboards. I tried to mimic that in this Doodle by using a chalk-like brush for the art.

Q: What do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I hope people reach out and show appreciation to the teachers that they know—especially right now as many schools are still closed and a lot of uncertainty persists.

Alyssa Winans | Doodler
Created Artwork for: Jose & Carlos’ story

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: Several of the most important people in my life are educators. I’ve always been inspired seeing them go above and beyond to help their students, this past difficult year being no exception. It means so much for me to contribute to a Doodle that acknowledges and celebrates everything they do.

Q: What do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I hope the Doodle helps people reflect on the teachers they’ve been able to connect with and trust, and encourages them to reach out and let them know they are valued and appreciated!

Olivia When | Doodler
Created Artwork for: Cole & Rugenia’s story

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: So many teachers helped me during school. Some provided supplies if I couldn't afford them, drove me home from an art show, or checked on me if they knew I was having a tough time. Teachers do so much unpaid, life-changing labor, and I was glad to help celebrate them. 

Q: What do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I really love Cole and Rugenia's story because it shows that the relationship goes both ways. We all get to the finish line together, and we all need support. 

Early sketches and storyboards of the Doodle below

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US Teacher Appreciation Week 2021 Team

DOODLE TEAM

Art Directors | Angelica McKinley, Sophie Diao 

Jose & Carlos Story Doodler | Alyssa Winans

Russell & Paige Story Guest Artist | Lindsey Deschamps

Dr. William Story Guest Artist | Monique Wray

Cole & Rugenia Story Doodler | Olivia When

Alexia & Maria Story Guest Artist | Vrinda Zaveri

Additional Art & Animation Support | Ben Tobias, Keni Chaffee

Marketing & Partnerships | Perla Campos, Sierra Menzies

Engineering | Collin Irwin, Daniel Dovali, Katherine Lee

UX | Anthony Irwin

Producers | Colin Duffy, Gregory Capuano, Lindsay Elgin

Business Affairs & Partnerships |  Madeline Belliveau

Music | Eric Doob

Doodle Team Leads | Jessica Yu, Brian Kaas, Nate Swinehart

Consultants | Google Disability Alliance & Vision Mentors

STORYCORPS TEAM

Founder & President | Dave Isay

CEO | Robin Sparkman

CPO | Lisa Gale

Production Leads | Katie Brook, Janmaris Perez

Producers | Jey Born, Jud Esty-Kendall, Jarrett Floyd, Michael Garofalo, Kerrie Hillman, Jasmyn Morris

Facilitators | Jey Born, Gaspar Caro, Jud Esty-Kendall, Kevin Oliver, Mary Bess Ser

Marketing Lead | Veronica Fischmann

Marketing | Colleen J. Ross, Freddy Bendekgey, Kati Frazier, Claire McDonnell

Digital Lead | Martin Olson

Operations | Kathrina Proscia, Lisa Stein, Lisa Kim

PR | Blake Zidell & Associates, JavelinDC

Key Support | StoryCorps is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.