National Teachers Appreciation Day

Young students in a classroom, smiling teacher holding a chalkboard, diverse styles, multicultural setting.. — National teachers appreciation day illustration

Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day! Today is the day we give a big ol' round of applause to those unsung heroes in our lives who have taught us everything from algebra to the importance of using our inside voices. Teachers, we salute you!

When is Teachers Appreciation Day?

It's national teachers appreciation day on the 3rd May.

The History of National Teacher Appreciation Day

Ah, the internet history of National Teacher Appreciation Day. Let me just dust off my virtual books and dive into the archives. It all started back in the good ol' year of 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady with a heart of gold, persuaded Congress to officially designate a day to honor teachers. Thus, National Teacher Appreciation Day was born.

Now, fast forward to the digital age. The internet has played a massive role in spreading the word about this special day. In fact, according to our fancy-shmancy algorithms, we detected a whopping 354 mentions online! Can you believe it? That's a whole lot of love for our educators.

How People Celebrate

So, how do people show their gratitude on National Teacher Appreciation Day? Well, it's a smorgasbord of appreciation activities. Some folks give their beloved teachers heartfelt handwritten notes expressing their gratitude for their guidance. Others might choose to gift their teachers with something more tangible, like a shiny apple or a lovely bouquet of flowers.

There are also those who choose to get creative and go all-out. Picture this: a flash mob of students break out into a choreographed dance routine in the middle of the school cafeteria, surprising their unsuspecting teacher. Talk about a fantastic way to say 'thank you'!

Did You Know?

Now, for a little fun fact to bring a smile to your face. Did you know that the world's oldest teacher, according to the Guinness World Records, is Agnes Zhelesnik? She began her teaching career at the sprightly age of 81 and is still going strong at over 100 years old! Talk about dedication to education!

History behind the term 'Teachers Appreciation'

1953

Inception of National Teachers Day

In 1953, the first observance of what would become known as National Teachers Day took place. The day was established by Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The purpose of this day was to honor and appreciate the hard work and dedication of teachers in shaping the minds of future generations.

1980

Congressional Recognition

In 1980, after years of efforts by various education organizations, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution declaring National Teachers Day to be celebrated on the first Tuesday of the first full week of May. This recognition by Congress helped to elevate the importance of teachers and their contributions to society.

1985

Expanding to a Weeklong Celebration

In 1985, the National Education Association (NEA) decided to expand the celebration of National Teachers Day to a week-long event. This allowed for more time to express gratitude and appreciation for teachers, as well as engage in activities and events that highlight the impact of teachers on students' lives.

1994

National Teachers Day Becomes Teacher Appreciation Week

In 1994, the NEA and the National PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) joined forces to extend the celebration even further. They declared the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week, with National Teachers Day falling on Tuesday of that week. This change aimed to provide a dedicated period for the community, parents, and students to express their gratitude and support for teachers.

2016

Social Media Trend

With the rise of social media, Teacher Appreciation Week gained even more visibility and participation. Educators, students, and parents took to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share heartfelt messages, photos, and videos about the inspirational teachers in their lives. This digital movement helped amplify the appreciation and recognition of teachers worldwide.