Date
Wednesday
May

May 7

National Teacher Day

Show your appreciation to teachers on National Teacher Day - thank them for their dedication and hard work in shaping young minds!

Yearly Date
Tuesday in the First Full Week of May
Type
Day

Introduction

Show your teachers some appreciation on National Teacher Day, which falls on Tuesday of the first full week in May! This day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the vital role that teachers play in our lives. It was created by the National Education Association in 1953 and is celebrated annually to recognize all of the hard work and dedication that teachers put into helping students succeed. So take a moment to thank your teacher for all they do, or give them a special gift as a token of your appreciation. Together, let's make sure their invaluable contributions are appreciated!

National Teacher Day Timeline

1953
National Teacher Day's Inception
The National Education Association (NEA) in conjunction with Eleanor Roosevelt convinced Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day.
1970
Yearly Recognition Established
After much advocacy, the NEA and its affiliates established the first week of May as the official week for observing National Teacher Day annually.
1980
Tuesday of First Full May Week
NEA and its affiliates moved the official observation of National Teacher Day to Tuesday of the first full week in May.
2000
Adding a Public Relation Component
The NEA began launching annual themes and public relation kits for National Teacher Day to further promote the cause.
2009
Google Doodle Celebration
For the first time, Google celebrated National Teacher Day with a special doodle on its homepage.
2020
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
Teachers showcased their resilience and adaptability, shifting to remote teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic, amplifying the importance and relevance of this recognition day.

How to Celebrate National Teacher Day

1

Write a thank you card

Put your appreciation on paper and let your teacher know how much you value their hard work. It's easy, it's meaningful, and it will put a smile on their face.

2

Gift a potted plant

A living reminder of the gratitude, select a potted plant that is easy to care for and can last for years. Your teacher will be able to enjoy the plant in their classroom or at home.

3

Create a video tribute

Invite former students to record a video of themselves thanking their favorite teacher for all the lessons and support they gave throughout the years. Gather all the small tributes into one big thank you video.

4

Send an eCard

Don't have the time to send a real card? Send a virtual card instead! There are plenty of options online to choose from - funny or sentimental - your teacher will love it.

5

Plan an appreciation lunch

Gather some of your favorite teacher's colleagues and plan a lunch in honor of the special day. It can be as simple as ordering pizza or as elaborate as hosting a five course meal at a fancy restaurant.

Why National Teacher Day is Important

A

Teachers shape our lives

Teachers are often the people who have the most influence on our lives. They provide us with knowledge, understanding and values that will stay with us throughout adulthood. Without teachers, we wouldn't be able to reach our full potentials!

B

Teachers guide us in decision making

Teachers are there for us when we need advice or guidance. They can provide us with the tools and resources needed to make informed decisions about our future. By listening to their words of wisdom, we can make choices that will best benefit ourselves and those around us!

C

Teachers help create a better world

By educating young minds, teachers help create a better future for all of us. Through their teachings, they promote acceptance, understanding and empathy - values that can bring about real change in the world. National Teacher Day is an important reminder of the power teachers have to shape a brighter tomorrow!

National Teacher Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 8
Monday
2024
May 6
Monday
2025
May 5
Monday
2026
May 4
Monday
2027
May 3
Monday