National Teacher Appreciation Day
This holiday honors and recognizes educators throughout the United States.
This holiday honors and recognizes educators throughout the United States.
Names: National Teacher Appreciation Day, National Teachers Day, Teachers' Day
This holiday honors and recognizes educators throughout the United States.
Origin
The first National Teachers Day occurred in 1953 after the 81st Congress passed a joint resolution. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt lobbied for years to pass the resolution.
Since 1953, Congressional resolutions have been adopted off and on to designate different calendar days as National Teachers Day. In 1987, which Congress declared “The Year of the Teacher,” National Teacher Appreciation Day was celebrated in January. However, National Teacher Appreciation Day has typically been held in May.
National Teacher Appreciation Day is usually accompanied by National Teacher Week. This was true in 2022, when President Joe Biden released a presidential proclamation declaring National Teacher Appreciation Day and National Teacher Appreciation Week in May of that year.
When it is observed
Since 1985, the National PTA has celebrated National Teacher Appreciation Day and Week during the month of May.
Traditions
National Teacher Appreciation Day is best expressed via events that honor teachers. Schools may hold “thank you” events for teachers. Students may give small gifts, letters and thank you notes to their teachers. Teachers may ask students, parents and PTA to support them politically within their community. Teachers spoke to the National Education Association (NEA) last year about the low pay and limited resources with which they often contend.
What to say
For National Teacher Appreciation Day, say “thank you” to your educators. Speak with educators in your community to find out what they really need and how you can help. Children can write thank you notes to their teachers.