Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is the first full week in May. It is a week-long celebration held annually in the United States during the first full week of May. It is a time to recognize and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of teachers to their students and to society as a whole. During this week, schools, students, and communities typically honor teachers through various activities, such as giving them gifts, hosting appreciation events, and expressing gratitude in different ways. Since 1985 it has since become a widely celebrated event across the USA.
Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time in which educators throughout the United States are recognized and celebrated for their commitment and contribution to their students and society as a whole. It takes place annually during the first full week of May and typically lasts for seven days.
Throughout the week, schools, students, and communities honor teachers in various ways. For example, students may give their teachers thank-you cards, small gifts, or tokens of appreciation, while schools may organize appreciation events, such as breakfasts, luncheons, or special ceremonies. Communities and organizations may also participate in the celebrations by recognizing teachers' efforts and contributions to their communities and society.
The idea of celebrating teachers during a designated week began in 1985, when the National Parent Teach Association (PTA) established Teacher Appreciation Week. It is now a popular tradition across the USA to show gratitude and appreciation for the important role that teachers play in shaping the lives of their students and contributing to society's overall well-being.
Honor the amazing educators who drive the future leaders of tomorrow! Show your support for our children’s educators and tell them how much their commitment and dedication to our children is so appreciated.
LEGACY WORTHY TEACHERS
Ten legacy worthy teachers (some deceased) who have inspired their students and made a significant impact in their fields of teaching:
Jaime Escalante (d): Taught math at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles and inspired students to succeed in advanced math classes, challenging stereotypes about minority students' abilities.
Maria Montessori (d): Developed the Montessori method of education, emphasizing child-led learning and independence, and founded the first Montessori school in Rome, Italy.
Jane Elliott: Known for her "Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes" exercise to teach about discrimination and racism in her third-grade classroom in Riceville, Iowa.
Paulo Freire (d): Brazilian educator and philosopher who emphasized critical pedagogy, teaching for social justice and empowerment, and wrote the influential book, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed."
Erin Gruwell: Taught English at Wilson High School in Long Beach, California and inspired her students, who were at-risk and from diverse backgrounds, to write their stories and published the book, "The Freedom Writers Diary."
John Dewey (d): American philosopher and educational reformer who emphasized experiential learning and democratic education and wrote the influential book, "Democracy and Education."
Malala Yousafzai: Pakistani activist and educator who advocates for girls' education and survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban for speaking out on the issue.
Geoffrey Canada: Educator and social activist who founded the Harlem Children's Zone, a program that provides educational and social services to children and families in Harlem, New York City.
Temple Grandin: Animal science professor at Colorado State University who has autism and is a leading advocate for autism awareness and animal welfare. She has written several books, including "Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism."
Marva Collins (d): Founded the Westside Preparatory School in Chicago, a private school for at-risk students, and used a rigorous, classical curriculum to teach them critical thinking, leadership, and self-respect.
This is just a brief list, and there are many more amazing legacy worthy teachers who inspire their students every day.
Teacher Appreciation Week #ThankATeacher
This year’s theme, Teachers Drive the Future, celebrates the idea that teachers are not just educators—they are one of the key drivers for every child’s journey to their future.
Your child’s teachers are the ones who inspire and guide them to become future leaders and open their eyes beyond academics. Teachers also help to instill values, shape character and empower our children to pursue their dreams and make a positive difference in the world.
This week, you can:
• Thank your child’s teacher with our fun resources or these gift ideas
• Share your appreciation for teachers on social media using #ThankATeacher
• Advocate for policies that support our educators
Together, we can make our teachers feel special and support them with what they need to continue driving the future.