National Teacher Appreciation Day in the United States

National Teacher Appreciation Day, also known as Teacher Day, is celebrated on the Tuesday of the first full week in May. This special day is part of Teacher Appreciation Week, which is the first full week in May of each year.

History

The National Education Association (NEA) describes National Teacher Day as "a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives." The day has its roots in the 1940s when Eleanor Roosevelt pushed Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day, after receiving a letter from an Arkansas teacher named Mattye Whyte Woodridge who advocated for a day to honor teachers. However, it wasn't until 1980 that Congress declared a National Teacher Day, but it was not observed on a specific date until its establishment by the NEA and its affiliates in 1985.

Traditions

On this day, students, parents, and communities take time to appreciate and recognize the efforts of educators across the country. Traditional activities include:

• Thank-You Notes: Students often write notes or cards expressing gratitude to their current or former teachers.
• Gift-Giving: It's common for teachers to receive gifts ranging from flowers and books to handcrafted items or school supplies.
• School Events: Many schools organize events such as breakfasts, luncheons, or award ceremonies dedicated to their teaching staff.
• Social Media Campaigns: People use social media platforms to thank their favorite teachers using hashtags like #ThankATeacher.

What People Do

On National Teacher Appreciation Day, people take various actions both big and small to show their appreciation for educators:

• Acknowledgments: School administrators may publicly acknowledge the work of their staff during assemblies or through internal communications.
• Discounts and Deals: Businesses often offer special discounts or freebies for teachers on this day.
• Community Support: Local communities may host events or collaborate with schools to celebrate their educators.
• Government Recognition: Government officials often issue proclamations or statements highlighting the importance of teachers.

This day serves as an opportunity for individuals and communities to express gratitude towards those individuals who dedicate themselves to teaching future generations.