National Teacher Day is a day to thank and honor our teachers for all the hard work they do.
When is National Teacher Day celebrated?
It is on Tuesday during the first full week of May, which is National Teacher Week.
Who celebrates this day?
This day is celebrated in the United States. Students and parents of students celebrate the day.
What do people do to celebrate?
Student and parents take the day to do something to let their teachers (past or present) know that they are appreciated. This could be anything such as a nice card, an email, a gift card, or a piece of chocolate. The important thing is that you let your teacher know how much you appreciate their hard work and patience.
Ideas for National Teacher Day
Gift Card - This doesn't need to be a lot of $, but anything is much appreciated by teachers. It could be to the local sandwich shop, coffee shop, or office supply store. Whatever it is, it will go to good use.
Homemade Card - Young children can make a homemade card for their teacher. Let them write or draw something nice that the teacher has done for them during the year.
Bring in Lunch - Get together with the PTA and bring in lunch for the teachers. You can make something or have it brought in by the local sandwich shop. Every teacher loves a free lunch!
Other Gift Ideas - Some other gift ideas include an apple, plants, flowers, a nice pen, and (if your feeling really generous) a coupon to the local spa.
History of National Teacher Day
It is thought that National Teacher Day was first proposed in 1944 by Arkansas teacher Mattye Woodridge. She first worked with local leaders and then wrote to the president's wife, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Finally, in 1953 Eleanor convinced Congress to declare a National Teacher Day.
It was years later until Congress once again declared a National Teacher Day on March 7, 1980. After that the day has been supported by the National Education Association (NEA). The NEA celebrated the day on March 7th until 1985 when they moved the day to the Tuesday of the first week in May.
Fun Facts About National Teacher Day
There are over 3 million teachers in the United States in K-12 schools. There are around 56 million students.
Teachers are thought of differently in different areas of the world. In China teachers are highly respected and well paid.
In Ancient Greece teachers were some of the most highly paid skilled workers. However, many teachers in Ancient Rome were Greek slaves.
Around 1.1 million students are home-schooled.
There are around 98,000 public schools in the United States.
