Whether they are in front of a classroom or their laptop camera, teachers across Whataburger’s 10-state footprint are doing whatever it takes to keep students engaged, supported, and learning.

In a year full of challenges, they are turning obstacles into opportunities, one mute button at a time.

That’s why this World Teachers’ Day we’re saluting all educators with a special “Thank You” message on our restaurant pole signs. And to honor some special educators this World Teachers’ Day, Whataburger asked more than 100 schools from Florida to Arizona to identify true superheroes on their campuses.

The stories came flooding in.

For one teacher, a deeply personal loss fueled a passion to advocate for suicide prevention measures. Another saw a student in need and reached across a language barrier to help a whole family with food, clothing, technology supplies, and even affordable housing. Another masked up and drove to every student’s house with a gift bag and curbside “Meet-the-Teacher” night.

On World Teachers’ Day, we surprised these teachers with fun Whataburger swag, gift cards to make meal time super convenient, and Visa gift cards to treat themselves. (Step away from the school supply aisle, please!)

Honorees included Austin teachers like Beth Ann Cole, a fourth grade teacher at Boone Elementary. Her principal said nothing 2020 has thrown her way has dimmed Cole’s spirit “In recent weeks, Beth Ann's classroom has flooded, she's dealt with maintenance work noise all the while trying to work virtually but she’s still smiling,” Principal Alan Stevens wrote. “She is her team's Mama Bear, and during one of the most difficult times we have had in education has not only lifted her team but our entire campus”

And from Travis Early College High School, teacher Jayma Vaughn was honored. “Ms. Vaughan has been instrumental in keeping our campus morale high during these difficult times,” said Principal Christina Steele Hantgin – care that extended even to baking snacks and lunches for the first teachers back to campus.”

Our Whataburger Feeding Student Success program is committed to helping all students succeed, and we’re proud to honor the women and men who make that their lives’ work.

Have a great story to share? Let us know! Email our Customer Success team at customers@austinchamber.com