Date
Monday
May

May 5-11

Teacher Appreciation Week

Saluting the heroes of the classroom in Teacher Appreciation Week! Honor their dedication and influence, shaping minds, one student at a time.

Type
Week

Introduction

Wave your flags for the educators out there as we kick off Teacher Appreciation Week, starting May 5! This special week finds its roots back in 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to set aside a special day to honor teachers. Over time, the appreciation extended from one day to an entire week. Teachers are at the heart of education, working tirelessly to cultivate curious and mindful students. This is a week when we can celebrate their endless hours of grading papers, designing engaging lessons and always lending a patient ear! So mark your calendars, and get ready to salute these classroom heroes!

Teacher Appreciation Week Timeline

1953
Eleanor Roosevelt's Proposition
Eleanor Roosevelt convinced the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day, marking the beginning of honoring teachers nationwide.
1980
Congressional Declaration
Congress declared 7th March as National Teacher Day for that year only, sparking a trend of annual recognition.
1984
Birth of Teacher Appreciation Week
The National Parent Teacher Association designated the first week in May as a time to honor teachers, thus establishing Teacher Appreciation Week.
2001
National Education Association Involvement
NEA and its affiliates across the country started making direct efforts to get all communities celebrating their teachers during this week.
2013
Social Media Recognition
With the advent of social media, Teacher Appreciation Week started becoming a trend with #ThankATeacher, expanding awareness and gratitude to a broader audience.

How to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

1

Send thoughtful notes

A heartfelt note expressing your gratitude towards your teacher can go a long way. You can express appreciation for the hard work they put into teaching and share your favorite memory from their class.

2

Gift a book

Teachers are always expanding their knowledge. A great way to thank them is by gifting a book they’ve wanted or that you think they will enjoy.

3

Organize appreciation at home

If you have children, inspire them to show appreciation for their teachers by creating handmade cards, drawing pictures, or writing letters. You can then send these tokens of appreciation digitally or by mail.

4

Share a gift card

You could give them a gift card to their favorite local restaurant, bookstore or online retailer. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses too.

5

Hold virtual celebrations

In the era of online classes, consider holding a virtual appreciation event. This could consist of a fun online gathering or award ceremony to celebrate the efforts of your teachers.

Why Teacher Appreciation Week is Important

A

Teachers shape lives

Teachers not only educate us on various academic subjects but also greatly influence our personalities, behaviors, and values. They guide and mentor students, encouraging them to be curious and open-minded. This appreciation week is a fantastic opportunity to honor their invaluable contribution.

B

Teachers work tirelessly

Behind every successful lesson plan is a lot of hard work, late nights, and dedication. Teachers spend countless hours preparing lessons, grading papers, offering extra help, and continuously developing their teaching skills. Celebrating them during this week is a small token of recognition for their devotion.

C

Teachers provide lifelong lessons

Beyond academics, teachers help students develop life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and resilience. These are lessons that students take away from the school and keep with them for life. Appreciation Week is a time to remind ourselves of the long-lasting impact teachers have on our lives.