Teacher Appreciation Day

Teacher Appreciation Day
Queen Elizabeth Academy

What is Teacher Appreciation Day?

In the United states on the Tuesday in the first full week of May each year, many people honour National Teacher Appreciation Day. In Canada, Teacher Appreciation Day is October 5th. Although the date might be different in different locations around the world, the importance of the day remains the same. Arranged by National Teacher Organizations, Teacher Appreciation Day is a day to appreciate and celebrate teachers.

Table of Contents

  1. What is Teacher Appreciation Day?

  2. Why is Teacher Appreciation Day Important?

  3. Appreciating Your Teacher

  4. Ways to Appreciate your Teacher

  5. Take Teacher Appreciate Day Beyond the Day

  6. Fun Facts: History of Teacher Appreciation Day

  7. The History of Teacher Appreciation Day

  8. FAQ

Why is Teacher Appreciation Day Important?

Teacher's will always have an important job in our society. They hold integral roles in education and leading the youth of tomorrow. These children are the future of communities and countries, and teacher's are hard-working, understanding individuals who guide their students toward their goals. Teacher's affect the lives of students every day.

Appreciating Your Teacher

Once you have reflected on the teachers that have impacted your life in positive ways, you can take Teacher Appreciation Day as a chance to give back to those mentors and the children in your community. Saying "Thank You" is the first step in valuing the educators in your life, but there are countless other ways to do so:

Teacher Appreciation Day is not just about the things that you can buy your teachers, although that can be very helpful in certain circumstances, but it is also about the time and energy you can put it as as sign of how much you care.

There are lots of different ways to express your gratitude, so let's take a look at some of the most common ways as a spring board to celebrating the day.

Ways to Appreciate your Teacher

  1. Donate Supplies: So many teacherstheir students and curriculum. Asking teacher's for a list of what they need and buying some of the materials can be a great way to appreciate them. are in need of extra supplies, materials, or machines to support their students and curriculum. Asking teacher's for a list of what they need and buying some of the materials can be a great way to appreciate them.
  2. Donate Money: Sometimes teachers may not have a list ready to go with what they need, so donating money or giftcards for them to use in the future can also be helpful.
  3. Thank You Cards: Getting a group of volunteers together to draw up and sign Thank You cards can be a wonderful way to show your support for teachers, especilly since they can decroate their classrooms with them.
  4. Volunteer: Schools can often be understaffed, espeically for extracurriculars or special programs. Volunteering your own time to local schools and teachers can be a fulfilling way to appreciate and support the work of local teachers.

Take Teacher Appreciate Day Beyond the Day

While there is a special day to commemorate teachers, the effort made to make teachers feel special does not need to end after Teacher Appreciation Day. Those who choose to celebrate the day often turn the entire first week of May into a week of celebration, with activities to honour teachers.

On top of things like donating and volunteering on Teacher Appreciation Day, there are other awesome ways to celebrate during the whole week

  1. Hosting a party for teachers with food and gifts.
  2. Organize assemblies or gatherings, and give out awards to teachers that honour their accomplishments.
  3. Decorate the school in support of teachers, so that they will feel how appreciated they are as they walk around their environment.

Song for Teacher Appreciation Day

Make cards for your teacher on Teacher Appreciation Day

Fun Facts: History of Teacher Appreciation Day

  1. Although some states were honouring their teachers quietly, it wasn't until Mattye Whyte and Eleanor Roosevelt brought the movement to Congress that National Teacher Appreciated Day became official in the USA. He brought up the concern in the 1950s, but the day wasn't institituted until the 1980s.
  2. As of 2022, Canada over 85,000 elementary school teachers and over 40,000 secondary school teachers.
  3. A long list of countries outside of North America also celebrate this day, although not necessarily on the same day, such as: Australia, Philippines, Turkey, Spain, India, Israel, Poland, and Egypt.
  4. Teacher Apprecation Day has even become recognized widely on social media, with hastags like #ThankATeacher, #TeacherAppreciationDay, and #TeachersDay used to show support.
  5. Many studies have found that teachers work more than 40 hours a week, some even close to 55 hours, as much of the job is spent planning outside of work hours (without pay). Another huge reason to support your local teachers!

The History of Teacher Appreciation Day

Although the profession of teaching has been around for centuries, with some even citing the first teacher in Ancient Greece, it was not until around the 19th century that North America began really noiticing the value of teachers. Widespread education and schooling was implemented in public spheres around the 19th century because leaders began to believe that education was needed for social order and growth, as well as political order.

It was a teacher from Arkansas, Mattye White, who first reached out to leaders and politicians about creating a day to celebrate teachers and their work. After her letters, it took about a decade for it to reach Congress in 1953 because Eleanor Roosevelt supported the movement. Congress did not acknowedge the day even until the 1980s, but the National Teacher Association and various states celebrated teachers and was able to create the National Day in March of 1980. At the conception of the holida, it was observed only for a day in March, but by 1985 it had been transformed into a whole week in May.

Teacher Statistics

Although the profession of teaching has been around for centuries, with some even citing the first teacher in Ancient Greece, it was not until around the 19th century that North America began really noiticing the value of teachers. Widespread education and schooling was implemented in public spheres around the 19th century because leaders began to believe that education was needed for social order and growth, as well as political order.

It was a teacher from Arkansas, Mattye White, who first reached out to leaders and politicians about creating a day to celebrate teachers and their work. After her letters, it took about a decade for it to reach Congress in 1953 because Eleanor Roosevelt supported the movement. Congress did not acknowedge the day even until the 1980s, but the National Teacher Association and various states celebrated teachers and was able to create the National Day in March of 1980. At the conception of the holida, it was observed only for a day in March, but by 1985 it had been transformed into a whole week in May.

FAQ - Teacher Appreciation Day

Is October 5th national teacher appreciation day?

No. October 5th is the world teacher appreciation day, while the Tuesday of the first full week in May is marked as national teacher appreciation day. So, these two dates are different.

Was there any theme for international teachers day in 2022?

The theme for world teachers day is “the transformation of education begins with teachers.”

Does teacher appreciation day always take place on the same date?

No. The date varies, but it happens on Tuesday of the first full week in May. So, don’t memorize the specific date. Just follow the rule.

What is the best present for teachers?

Handmade chocolates and cakes, flowers, gift cards, as well as paintings are the best options. These gifts are not expensive, but they can represent your appreciation.

Is it fine that students give teachers cash as a gift?

Yes. But cash should only be given when you have your income and can afford it. It would be better if you use gift cards and some useful items as presents. Besides, some regions have strict rules about giving cash as gifts, ensuring you check policies beforehand.

What kind of behaviors will be considered disrespect to a teacher?

The most common behavior will be zooming out in lectures, doing the opposite way of teachers’ instructions, confronting teachers, and giving rude answers.

What should teachers not do?

1. don’t gossip or complain about other teachers behind their backs.
2. don’t become too close with students and show your favoritism.
3. don’t humiliate or yell at your students.

How should we celebrate teacher appreciation day?

1. decorate your classroom with happy teacher appreciation day signs.
2. send your teacher a message to show how grateful you are.
3. come up with some creative games to play and interact with your teacher.