How to Show Your Gratitude to Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time of year when we take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication of our teachers. This year, Teacher Appreciation Week falls on May 8-12, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show our gratitude to the amazing educators in our lives.

As parents, we understand the important role that teachers play in shaping the future of our children. Teachers not only teach our kids the fundamental academic skills they need to succeed in life, but they also inspire and motivate them to become confident and compassionate individuals.

During this week, we have the chance to say “thank you” to our children’s teachers for all that they do. There are many ways that we can show our appreciation, such as writing a heartfelt note, sending a small gift, or simply saying “thank you” in person.

The Origin of Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week originated in 1953, and teachers have Eleanor Roosevelt to thank for its inception. Roosevelt convinced Congress that there needed to be a specific day on which teachers were recognized. Prior to Roosevelt going before Congress, it is believed that some states did practice, but it is unclear and unsubstantiated. The theory, however, is that either a teacher from Wisconsin or Arkansas (they aren’t sure which) wrote letters to her trying to get her to help teachers’ cause.

The Arkansas theory states that Mattye Whytte Wooldridge began communicating with leaders in the education system to form a day on which teachers would be honored. She ultimately began writing letters to Eleanor Roosevelt. Roosevelt decided the cause was worthy of her attention and took it to Congress.

Even with Eleanor Roosevelt taking the case to Congress and getting their help and support, it would take another 27 years for it to become an official national day. It was 1980 when the National Education Association (NEA), which was formed in 1857, joined together with the Kansas State and Indiana State Boards of Education and began to lobby Congress to have the day nationally recognized.

The First National Teacher Appreciation Day

National Teacher Day was celebrated on March 7th until 1984, when it was moved to May. Behind the move was the National Parent Teacher Association and, instead of just one day, they named the entire first week of May to be Teacher Appreciation Week. The NEA followed suit the next year and held National Teacher Appreciation Day on the Tuesday of the week.

There are still a few cases of oddities though. Massachusetts celebrates Teacher’s Day not on National Teacher Day, but instead on the first Sunday of June; perhaps because teachers are out for summer and therefore get to relax on their special day.

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There are many ways to express your appreciation for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Write A Thank-You Note or Card to Your Child’s Teacher

You can also encourage your child to write or draw something for their teacher. A personal and heartfelt message can make a teacher’s day and show them how much you value their efforts.

Send A Gift Basket or A Bouquet of Flowers to Your Child’s Teacher

You can also collaborate with other parents to pool your resources and buy something more substantial, such as a gift card, a spa voucher, or a subscription service. A thoughtful gift can brighten up a teacher’s mood and make them feel appreciated.

Volunteer In Your Child’s Classroom or School

You can offer to help with tasks such as grading papers, preparing materials, organizing events, or chaperoning field trips. A helping hand can ease a teacher’s workload and show them that you care about their work environment.

Work Together as A Community to Show Our Appreciation for Teachers

Perhaps your school’s PTA or parent organization can organize a special breakfast or lunch for the teachers, or plan a fun activity that involves the whole school. This not only shows appreciation but also fosters a sense of community and support.

Nominate Your Child’s Teacher for An Award or Recognition.

You can look for local, state, or national programs that honor teachers for their excellence and innovation. A nomination can boost a teacher’s morale and reputation and give them the recognition they deserve.

Spread The Word About Your Child’s Teacher on Social Media or In Your Community

You can share positive stories, photos, or videos of your child’s teacher on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. You can also write a testimonial or a review for your child’s teacher on websites such as RateMyTeachers.com or GreatSchools.org. A public endorsement can raise a teacher’s profile and influence and inspire others.

These are just some of the ways you can show your appreciation for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. It’s important to remember that Teacher Appreciation Week is just one week out of the year, but we should strive to show our gratitude to teachers every day. A simple “thank you” or a small gesture of appreciation can go a long way in showing teachers that their hard work and dedication are noticed and valued.

So, let’s take a moment during Teacher Appreciation Week to say “thank you” to the teachers in our lives. They deserve our gratitude, admiration, and support not just during this special week, but all year round.

Reference

• National Teacher Appreciation Week | MNEA (Missouri National Education Association). (n.d.). https://www.mnea.org/TeacherDay
• Specialty, S. (2018, April 23). The History Behind Teacher Appreciation Week. Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty. https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/history-behind-teacher-appreciation-week/#:\~:text=Teacher%20Appreciation%20Week%20originated%20in%201953%2C%20and%20teachers,did%20practice%2C%20but%20it%20is%20unclear%20and%20unsubstantiated.
• Staff, H. (2023, January 19). History of Teacher Appreciation Week | Hallmark Ideas & Inspiration. Hallmark Ideas & Inspiration. https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/spring-ideas/history-of-teacher-appreciation-week/
• Teacher Appreciation Week - May 3 through May 7. (2022, May 5). National Today. https://nationaltoday.com/teacher-appreciation-week/
• Teachers’ Appreciation Day Facts. (n.d.). Copyright 2005-, softschools.com. https://www.softschools.com/facts/holidays/teachers_appreciation_day_facts/1344/