Teacher Appreciation Week &
National Teacher Day
Every year, the first week of May is dedicated to honoring the incredible educators who shape our lives: Teacher Appreciation Week! This time culminates with National Teacher Day on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. 1
The National Education Association (NEA) aptly describes National Teacher Day as “a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.” But the origins of this day are a little fuzzy.
The movement to celebrate teachers goes back to the mid-20th century. Around 1944, educators like Ryan Krug and Mattie Whyte Woodridge began advocating for a national day of recognition. Woodridge even contacted Eleanor Roosevelt, who successfully lobbied Congress to declare a National Teacher Day in 1953.
There were some interesting twists along the way. Initially, National Teacher Day bounced around the calendar. It wasn’t until 1985 that the NEA and the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week in the first whole week of May, with National Teacher Day falling on Tuesday. This tradition continues to this day.
While National Teacher Day is a beautiful opportunity to shower our teachers with appreciation, in Massachusetts, educators are celebrated on another day as well. The first Sunday of June is designated a separate Teachers’ Day in the Bay State.
No matter the date, the message is clear: Teachers deserve our deepest gratitude. They inspire, motivate, and guide us, leaving an undeniable mark on who we become. So, during Teacher Appreciation Week, take a moment to say thank you to the teachers who have made a difference in your life.
Here are some ways to show your appreciation:
- Send a handwritten note or card expressing your thanks.
- Donate to a school supply drive or a charity that supports teachers.
- Offer to help out in the classroom.
- Say “thank you” and share a specific memory of how your teacher impacted you.
Let’s celebrate our teachers and all they do! 🖋️✨
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