Teachers dedicate their lives to our children. They ensure students are prepared academically, not just for success in school, but for future careers and life. Have you thanked a teacher lately for all they do? Mark your calendar for Teacher Appreciation Week and commit to one of the ideas below to show your gratitude for the educators in your life.
When is Teacher Appreciation Week 2025?
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 starts on Sunday, May 4, 2025 (in 79 days) and ends on Saturday, May 10th 2025 (in 85 days).
When is Teacher Appreciation Week 2026?
Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 starts on Sunday, May 3, 2026 (in 443 days) and ends on Saturday, May 9th 2026 (in 449 days).
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Dates for Teacher Appreciation Week in Other Years
| Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 | Sunday, May 4, 2025 | Saturday, May 10, 2025 |
| Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 | Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Saturday, May 9, 2026 |
| Teacher Appreciation Week 2027 | Sunday, May 2, 2027 | Saturday, May 8, 2027 |
| Teacher Appreciation Week 2028 | Sunday, May 7, 2028 | Saturday, May 13, 2028 |
| Teacher Appreciation Week 2029 | Sunday, May 6, 2029 | Saturday, May 12, 2029 |
| Teacher Appreciation Week 2030 | Sunday, May 5, 2030 | Saturday, May 11, 2030 |
What is Teacher Appreciation Week 2025?
Teacher Appreciation Week is a period of celebration where teachers across the United States are thanked for their hard work, dedication, and commitment. Organized by the National Education Association (NEA), Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to give back to your extraordinary educators and show appreciation. As the world adapts to the recent pandemic and the ever-changing face of education, teachers continue to shape the next generation by delivering incredible learning opportunities, even in the face of many challenges. For that, administrators, parents, and children take one extra special week to say thank you and uplift and celebrate the contributions of educators across America.
What is the History of Teacher Appreciation Week?
The specific origins of Teacher Appreciation Week remain unclear. However, in 1944, a teacher named Mattie White Woodridge wrote to the United States Congress to appeal for a day of recognition for teaching staff. Nearly ten years later, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped to pass a National Teacher Day – although this was a one-time occurrence. In 1980, the National Education Association campaigned for Congress to recognize the day once more. The National Education Association continued to celebrate National Teacher Day until it was decided to expand the celebrations to last an entire week in 1985. Since then, Teacher Appreciation Week has grown to become a national event celebrated in schools across America, with one extra special week of celebration put aside to commemorate educators.
History Behind Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers spend a lot of time enriching the minds and lives of their students. That’s why, every year, we come together to celebrate teachers and the wonderful jobs that they do. The celebration starts on the first full Monday in May. But what’s the history of Teacher Appreciation Week? When and why did it start?
The Origin of Teacher Appreciation Week
The official history of Teacher Appreciation Week dates back to 1953 when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress that there needed to be a specific day to recognize teachers. Prior to her involvement, it’s believed that some states did practice some kind of annual teacher celebration. However, that part of the history is unclear and unsubstantiated. It’s believed that a teacher from either Wisconsin or Arkansas wrote letters to the First Lady to get help establishing a day of recognition.
The Arkansas theory states that Mattye Whytte Wooldridge communicated with education leaders to form a day to honor teachers. She then 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 to become an official national day. It was in 1980 when the National Education Association (NEA) joined with the Kansas 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, which expanded the celebration by naming the entire first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week. The NEA followed suit the next year and held National Teacher Appreciation Day on the Tuesday of that week.
There are still a few cases of oddities, though. Massachusetts celebrates Teacher’s Day on the first Sunday of June, perhaps to allow teachers to relax on their special day.
Celebrate Teachers in Your Classroom
The NEA believes National Teacher Day is a day to not only honor teachers but to show them that they make lasting impressions on the lives of their students.
Whether you send a small gift or a kind word, let the teachers in your life know that they’re appreciated. If you’re looking for ways to showcase your appreciation, follow the link below for some fun ideas!
How can my kids say “thank you” during Teacher Appreciation Week?
If you’re looking for some ideas to help your kids say a big “thank you” this Teacher Appreciation Week, here are just a few suggestions that won’t break the bank:
- Have your kids write a “thank you” card or note to their teacher.
- Work with fellow parents to collect notes of thanks and appreciation that can be assembled into one giant “thank you” booklet or card for your children’s class teacher.
- Have your kids whip up some adorable crafts that will act as keepsakes for their teacher.
- Bake some yummy treats for your children’s class teacher or pick some flowers to gift to them.
- Create a spa hamper of goodies for your children’s class teacher to help them rest, relax, and unwind.
Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas
Looking for an extra special way to say “thank you” this Teacher Appreciation Week? These ideas for principals, parents, and caregivers are sure to make teachers feel their worth. Check out our virtual Teacher Appreciation ideas for even more ways to celebrate educators.
1. Make a Thank-You Video
Post a call for “thank-you” videos on your school’s website, Facebook page, Instagram, or other social media account. Your invitation might read something like this: Have a teacher who inspires you? Let that person know! Record yourself or your child thanking a teacher. Use one of these prompts:
- Thank you, (Teacher’s Name), for ______ .
- (Teacher’s Name) made a big difference in my life by ______ .
- Thanks to (Teacher’s Name), I’m now able to ______ .
Watch the video below to hear what the kids HMH talked with over the years love about their teachers.
2. Give a Teachers a Break!
Principals, we all know teachers are working hard during and after school hours. Give them a little “me time” to show your appreciation. We’ve created coupons that you can pass along to teachers. Take your pick from four Teacher Appreciation coupons that give teachers:
- Coverage for one class period
- Help with a classroom task like putting up a bulletin board or grading papers
- Permission to skip one meeting of their choice
- Relief from recess, lunch, or another duty
Print the coupons and start spreading some joy around your school. Can’t give one to every teacher? Consider raffling them off.
3. “Thank-You” Door Decor
Decorate classroom doors for Teacher Appreciation Week. Enlist volunteers to help. Here are some ideas:
- Super Shoutouts: Cut out block letters that say: Shoutouts to _____________(teacher’s name), and tape them to the teacher’s door. Give each student a Post-It note. Have them write one thing on it that they appreciate about their teacher. Be sure they sign their name. Then cover the door with the notes.
- Flower Power: Cut out block letters that say: “Thank You for Helping Us Grow!” Then, have students create a flower out of construction paper and write their name along the stem. You could also paste a photo of the child in the middle of each flower. Tape the letters and flowers to the door.
- Wishing on a Star: Cut construction paper into stars. Provide each student with one star. Ask: What wish do you have for your teacher? Have them write it on the star and sign their name. Post the stars on the door.
- Give Teachers a Hand: Have students trace their hands on construction paper, cut them out, and write one way their teacher has helped them. Make sure they sign their names. Then cover the door with the paper hands.
4. Hold a Raffle
Ask local businesses including movie theaters, spas, restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and bookstores to donate gift cards to teachers. Then raffle them off. Set up a small table at the school’s entrance with pen, paper (on which teachers can write their names), and a box (or other container) to hold the “raffle tickets.” Make it festive: ask students to decorate the box and create a colorful sign announcing the raffle. Set aside time before the end of the school day to announce the winners, thank those who contributed, and hand out the gift cards.
5. Fulfill a Wish
Send out a survey to find out what resources your teachers need for a hands-on project they’re planning. Don’t have the budget to buy the resources? Offer to write a grant to fund the project through DonorsChoose or start a GoFundMe page. Enlist parents, caregivers, staff, and even friends to help out.
6. Cover a Class
Give teachers a break. Take over a teacher’s lesson for a class period. Use the time to have students write cards or a letter of thanks to the teacher, or schedule a speaker for the class. Alternatively, you could hold a town-hall meeting for each grade (this way you can give multiple teachers a break at the same time) to gauge how kids are doing, how their school work is going, and what changes might improve their learning experience.
7. Read All About It!
Take out an ad in the local newspaper honoring the dedication of teachers in your school or district. The ad might include quotes from students about how their teachers have inspired them. Encourage the entire community to show appreciation with shoutouts on social media, by sending thank-you letters, cards, or even gift certificates for local businesses to educators they know.
8. Discounts, Deals, and Freebies
Many local and national businesses offer discounts, deals, and freebies during Teacher Appreciation Week. Do some research and provide teachers with a list of all the goodies they can get. Include HMH’s free teaching resources and holiday activities and lesson plans in the list. Also consider asking a local business to provide coffee, tea, muffins, or even lunch as a special treat for teachers. Enlist older students, parents, caregivers, and school staff to research deals for teachers, write letters to local businesses asking for help honoring teachers, and sending “thank you” notes to businesses that step up.
9. Make Thumbprint Art
This “thank-you” will take some planning. Principals and other educators may consider asking an art teacher or a prep teacher to work with students to complete this thumbprint artwork for the teacher. Download and print on card stock the thumbprint art template below. Under the words “Thanks for Lifting Us Up” is a picture of a person holding balloon strings. Add students’ thumbprints above the balloon strings. Have them use colorful ink pads or tempera paint to make thumbprints that look like balloons. We’ve provided an example of a finished thumbprint art piece you can download. Another option is to have each student draw and color in a small balloon, and write their initials inside.
10. Offer a Day of Assistance
Parents or volunteers can step in to help with non-teaching tasks such as organizing classroom materials, grading simple assignments, or supervising activities.
FAQs
Do USA celebrate Teachers Day?
Yes, the United States celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week during the first full week of May. National Teacher Day is observed on the Tuesday of that week.
What do you say to a teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week?
You can express gratitude by saying:
- “Thank you for your dedication and hard work in shaping young minds!”
- “Your guidance and passion for teaching inspire us every day.”
- “We appreciate your efforts and the positive impact you have on our lives!”
What week is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week in 2025 will be observed from May 5 to May 9.
What is the theme for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025?
The official theme for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 has not been announced yet.
Who is the famous teacher in India in 2025?
As of now, there is no officially recognized “most famous” teacher for 2025. However, notable educators in recent years include:
- Ranjitsinh Disale (Global Teacher Prize winner for his innovative teaching methods)
- Vikas Divyakirti (Founder of Drishti IAS, a well-known educator for UPSC aspirants)
- BK Shivani (A spiritual and motivational teacher)
What is Teacher Appreciation Week?
- A week dedicated to honoring and recognizing the hard work and dedication of teachers across the United States.
When is Teacher Appreciation Week celebrated?
- It is observed annually during the first full week of May.
What are the dates for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025?
- May 5 to May 9, 2025.
Is there a specific day during the week to honor teachers?
- Yes, National Teacher Day is celebrated on the Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week.
What is the history behind Teacher Appreciation Week?
- The National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week in 1984 to honor the contributions of educators.
Why is Teacher Appreciation Week important?
- It acknowledges the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the future by educating and inspiring students.
How can students show appreciation during this week?
- Writing thank-you notes, creating artwork, or giving small tokens of appreciation.
What can parents do to participate?
- Organize classroom events, provide meals or snacks, or contribute to group gifts.
Are there official themes for each year’s celebration?
- Yes, organizations like the National PTA often announce annual themes.
What was the theme for Teacher Appreciation Week 2024?
- “Teachers are Shining Stars.”
How can schools celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week?
- Hosting assemblies, decorating classrooms, or organizing appreciation luncheons.
Are there resources available for planning events?
- Yes, the National PTA provides toolkits and ideas.
Can businesses get involved in Teacher Appreciation Week?
- Absolutely, many businesses offer discounts or freebies to teachers during this week.
Is Teacher Appreciation Week a national holiday?
- No, it’s not a federal holiday but is widely recognized and celebrated.
How did National Teacher Day originate?
- It began in 1953 after Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to set aside a day to recognize educators.
Do other countries have similar celebrations?
- Yes, many countries have their own versions of Teacher’s Day on different dates.
What are some popular gifts for teachers?
- Gift cards, personalized items, classroom supplies, and handwritten notes.
Is there a hashtag associated with Teacher Appreciation Week?
- Yes, #ThankATeacher is commonly used on social media.
How can communities support teachers during this week?
- By organizing community events, offering discounts, or publicly recognizing teachers’ efforts.
Are there virtual ways to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week?
- Yes, virtual thank-you cards, video messages, and online shout-outs are great options.
What role does the National Education Association (NEA) play in this week?
- The NEA supports and promotes Teacher Appreciation Week through various initiatives.
Can former students participate in Teacher Appreciation Week?
- Absolutely, reaching out to past teachers with messages of gratitude is encouraged.
How can teachers be recognized at the district level?
- Districts can highlight outstanding teachers through awards, newsletters, or social media.
Are there any national awards given during this week?
- While not specific to this week, the National Teacher of the Year is often announced around this time.
How can teachers share their experiences during this week?
- Through blogs, social media, or participating in panel discussions.
What are some creative classroom activities for this week?
- Students can create a “Thank You” tree, write poems, or compile a class scrapbook.
How can local media get involved?
- By featuring stories on outstanding teachers or covering school events.
Are there any songs associated with Teacher Appreciation Week?
- While there’s no official song, many classes create their own or adapt existing songs to honor teachers.
How do online schools celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week?
- Through virtual events, online thank-you notes, and digital celebrations.
Can Teacher Appreciation Week be celebrated outside of schools?
- Yes, community centers, libraries, and other organizations can host appreciation events.
What is the role of parents in Teacher Appreciation Week?
- Parents can organize events, provide support, and encourage their children to express gratitude.
How can students with special needs participate?
- Through tailored activities that suit their abilities, like creating simple crafts or verbal expressions of thanks.
Are there any books about Teacher Appreciation Week?
- Several children’s books discuss the theme of appreciating teachers.
How can social media be used during this week?
- Sharing stories, photos, and using relevant hashtags to spread awareness.
What are some budget-friendly ways to celebrate?
- Handwritten notes, student artwork, or organizing a group thank-you video.
Can retired teachers be honored during this week?
- Yes, acknowledging their past contributions is a wonderful gesture.
How do colleges and universities participate?
- By recognizing professors through events, awards, or student-led initiatives.
