Teacher Appreciation Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Teacher Appreciation Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Teacher Appreciation Week is observed on May 7th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Teacher Appreciation Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you need know about Teacher Appreciation Week.

📅 What day is Teacher Appreciation Week 2024?

In 2024, Teacher Appreciation Week is on Sunday, May 7th. It is the 1st Sunday in May; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the fun details and facts about May 7, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time in early May where we show our gratitude to teachers for all the amazing work they do. It lasts for a whole week, from May 7 to May 8, 2023, with Teacher Appreciation Day on May 5 being the main highlight. Teachers deserve this recognition because they play a crucial role in our lives. Whether you have a teacher, know a teacher, or are a teacher yourself, there are many ways you can support and assist them during this week. Teaching is a challenging and time-consuming profession, so let’s take this opportunity to appreciate those who have made a positive impact on us. We all have memories of teachers who have influenced us in some way, and this week is a chance to celebrate their dedication and hard work.

📜 Teacher Appreciation Week History

In the 1800s, politicians recognized the importance of education for maintaining political order. This led to the popularity and public availability of education from kindergarten to college, resulting in a growing demand for teachers.

The origins of Teacher Appreciation Week are not well known, but it is clear that in 1944, an Arkansas schoolteacher named Mattye White Woodridge wrote to lawmakers and educational experts about the need for a day to honor teachers. It took almost a decade for Eleanor Roosevelt to bring the proposal before Congress, which was successfully approved in 1953.

After the National Education Association (NEA) and state affiliates in Kansas and Indiana urged Congress again in 1980 to establish National Teacher Day, they continued to observe it annually even if Congress did not. In 1985, the Assembly changed the single day to the first full week of May.

The National Education Association organizes this week-long celebration, aiming to honor teachers and acknowledge their significant contributions to our lives. They provide social media packages, downloadable teacher accomplishment awards, sweepstakes, and gift ideas every year to express our gratitude towards teachers.

✅ Teacher Appreciation Week Facts

🔖 Focusing on What’s Important
Based on a survey, the majority of teachers are motivated by factors other than money. In fact, 97% of respondents considered effective school leadership as the most crucial element that influenced their decision to remain in their teaching positions. It is noteworthy that salary did not rank among the top ten factors that influenced their commitment.

🔖 Fighting for Our Students
Based on research findings, teachers are ranked second, right after the US military, in terms of their impact on the overall well-being of society.

🔖 Putting in the Hours
Based on a survey, it has been found that on average, instructors work for 53 hours per week.

👍 Why Is Teacher Appreciation Week Important

Everyone can recall at least one teacher who pushed us to be our best selves, inspired us, or gave us a new way of thinking that lasted with us, from elementary school to university. What would we do if they didn’t exist?

Teachers, without a doubt, put in the most effort. Presenting content to classes of youngsters is a difficult task, and they deserve full credit for it. Beyond simply delivering curriculum, instructors spend numerous hours at home developing lesson plans, grading assignments, and devising interesting extras to make the class more engaging.

It’s no secret that schools frequently lack the funds to provide teachers with all they need to conduct an engaging classroom. Many instructors have internet wish lists of supplies they require, such as colored pencils or tape. Consider giving to schools or school districts so that they may purchase larger things that more children can use.

🙂 How To Observe Teacher Appreciation Week

⚡ Donate to teachers!
Numerous organizations are dedicated to supporting teachers by providing them with school supplies and financial aid. Donors Choose, Fund for Teachers, and the National Education Association Foundation are leading organizations that are currently making additional contributions. These organizations also offer funding specifically tailored to various subjects, such as the arts, math, or science.

⚡ Bring a gift to your teacher
Numerous organizations, including the National PTA, offer suggestions for gifts for teachers along with entertaining printable thank-you letters and posters. Giving gift cards, making contributions, baking goods, decorating the teacher’s classroom door or the teachers’ lounge, volunteering in the classroom, or using the designated hashtag #ThankATeacher are all great ways to show appreciation for your teacher’s hard work.

⚡ Reach out to an old teacher
Most of us have fond memories of at least one teacher from our past, and it’s likely that they remember us too and would appreciate knowing what we’re doing now. Take a moment to find out if they are still teaching at our old school and consider paying them a visit, giving them a call, or connecting with them on social media to keep in touch. This is a wonderful chance to show our appreciation for the impact they had on our lives.

📅 When is Teacher Appreciation Week?

View all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Appreciation and other 🔗 Love holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Teacher Appreciation Week. So be sure to check back soon.