Disney announced today that it is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with a new back-to-school campaign with DonorsChoose. This will help support classrooms in all 50 states in the United States of America through matching public donations for resources focused on the arts and storytelling. The announcement was made in a video with Yvette Nicole Brown. Brown voices one of Sofia’s new teachers in the upcoming Disney+ and Disney Jr. series Sofia the First: Royal Magic. She also serves as Vice Chair of the DonorsChoose Board. Check out the announcement video here:
The initiative begins on May 5th and can be found at DonorsChoose.org/Disney2026. Visit this site to support teacher-posted projects that are submitted by TK-1st-grade educators from under-resourced schools nationwide. Each of these projects will have the supplies that are needed to bring these learning experiences to life for young students. Disney will then match eligible public donations during this period. This will help more students access what they need to foster imagination, confidence, and self-expression in their education.
“Teachers play such an important role in helping lay the foundation for lifelong learning and growth — and principally, help kids discover what they are capable of,” said Alyssa Sapire, Head of Disney Jr. Original Programming & Strategy. “At Disney, storytelling is at the center of everything we do, and we’re proud to support educators who are creating spaces for imagination, creativity, and confidence to thrive in their classrooms every day.”
The initiative comes as Sofia the First: Royal Magic is set to premiere on May 25th on Disney Jr. and Disney Jr. On Demand. It will stream the next day on Disney+. This is a new series set in the world of Sofia the First. It sees Sofia attending the Charmswell School for Royal Magic. There, she must learn how to master her magical powers. She will also find herself navigating a new school, making new friends, and learning to make decisions on her own. This is the journey that all kids starting at a new school experience as they are supported by educators. Now is the time to support the educators who bring the arts into classrooms. This campaign aligns with Disney’s belief in the power of storytelling to help kids learn, grow, and see new possibilities.
“Often, teachers need the resources to encourage students to channel their talents and tell their own stories,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “This Teacher Appreciation Week, Disney is showing up for educators and giving TK-1st-grade students the creative supplies they need to express themselves through their classwork. DonorsChoose is thankful to Disney for supporting educators and the power of storytelling in elementary school.”
Disney has an ongoing commitment to supporting kids, families, and communities globally. More information about Disney’s efforts can be found at: Disney.com/FutureGenerations.
