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National Teacher Day

If children are the future, teachers are the ones making sure that future is a good one. Give thanks to and see how you can help these under-paid workers.

EducationJobs & Professions65
Marketing angleinferred

Drive gift purchases, appreciation products, and classroom supplies during Teacher Appreciation Week by positioning brands as enablers of gratitude and teacher support.

Relevance 65medium intent
  • Share student/parent thank-you videos featuring your products (gifts, cards, flowers, classroom supplies)
  • Partner with schools for in-school appreciation events or donation drives
  • Create DIY appreciation guides (scrapbook templates, video editing tips) featuring your brand's tools or products
  • Highlight teacher wellness and self-care products as 'appreciation gifts that give back'

History

Teacher Appreciation has a long history in the United States. Political and educational leaders began discussions for a day to honor teachers in 1944. In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim Teachers’ Day.

Congress declared March 7, 1980, as Teacher Day. The National Education Association continued to observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March until 1985 when the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May.

The NEA Representative Assembly then voted to make the Tuesday of that week Teacher Day.


How to celebrate

Shoot a Thank You Video

If you’re looking for a great way to appreciate your favorite teacher, then take part in the NEA “thank you” video contest. You create a simple video of you saying thank you to your teacher, explain why they have inspired you, and post it either on your social media or through the NEA main website and use the hashtag #teacherappreciationday to let everyone know what day it is today.

Check in with a Favorite Teacher

If you want, get in contact with your favorite teacher through social media and have a chat with them, see how they’re doing, and do them the kindness of thanking them personally. Even years later, you can get in contact with old instructors and thank them for the positive impact that they had on your later life.

Build a Scrapbook

Another way to show a teacher that you appreciate them is to create a scrapbook. Here you can write an essay on the things that you enjoyed most about the time that you spent with a teacher and how they helped you. You can talk about the qualities that you appreciate in them and what they helped you to learn. And you can put special care and attention into creating a scrapbook that looks beautiful and will last for a long time. For instance, you could laminate all of the pages to make it more robust and attractive.

Audio Recordings

Some people are also showing their appreciation by “phoning in.” They’re using dial-up services (of which there are many) and creating a collection of audio recordings from various people who shared the teacher. They’re then using the service to forward the message to the teacher, love bombing them in the process. If you decide to use one of these services, get a bunch of people together, and tell them to record a positive message for the teacher. Then be sure to vet them first before sending them on. So, in summary, National Teacher Day is an essential event for keeping the spirits of teachers high. It is not the most straightforward job in the world to control a class of unruly children. Those that work in schools often find that they have to spend many hours each day just preparing for lessons and marking. Many find themselves switching careers. Showing appreciation, however, reminds us all that it is a tough job and helps kids in school right now. The more energized their teachers feel because of your happy words, the better will be your children’s education.


FAQ
Did you know that in Estonia, students become teachers for a day?
On Teacher’s Day, Estonian students take over classrooms, allowing teachers to rest. This tradition fosters mutual respect and understanding between students and educators.
Why does Vietnam celebrate Teachers’ Day on November 20th?
Vietnam’s Teachers’ Day traces back to a 1957 meeting in Warsaw among educators from communist nations. The day honors the vital role of teachers in society.
How did Eleanor Roosevelt influence the establishment of National Teacher Day in the U.S.?
In 1953, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day, highlighting the importance of educators nationwide.
What unique gift is traditionally given to teachers in Thailand on their dedicated day?
In Thailand, students present their teachers with small jasmine floral wreaths, symbolizing respect and gratitude. This gesture is a cherished part of the celebration.
Did you know that in Colombia, Teachers’ Day honors a saint?
Colombia celebrates Teachers’ Day on May 15th, marking the appointment of Saint John Baptist de La Salle as the patron saint of teachers. This day recognizes his contributions to modern education.
Why is September 10th significant for teachers in China?
China observes Teachers’ Day on September 10th. Some believe this date was chosen due to the similar pronunciation between the word “teacher” and the numbers 9 and 10 in Chinese.
How do students in the Czech Republic honor their teachers on March 28th?
In the Czech Republic, students nominate inspiring teachers for the “Golden Amos” award, with the coronation taking place annually on March 28th, commemorating the birthday of John Amos Comenius.
Did you know that in Turkey, Teachers’ Day commemorates a significant educational reform?
Turkey celebrates Teachers’ Day on November 24th, marking the day in 1928 when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk accepted the title of head teacher of the nation’s schools, following the adoption of a new alphabet for the Turkish Republic.
Why do students in South Korea bow to their teachers on May 15th?
In South Korea, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on May 15th, where students often show respect by bowing to their teachers and presenting carnations as a token of appreciation.
Did you know that in India, Teachers’ Day is linked to a former president?
India celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 5th, the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a respected teacher and the second President of India. This day honors his belief that “teachers should be the best minds in the country.”