One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”
– Malala Yousafazi
This week, May 5-11, is Teacher Appreciation Week, and here at CSFB, it’s our favorite time of year! While the whole week is about appreciating the teachers that made an impact on your life, Tuesday, May 7th, is National Thank A Teacher Day.
Historically, the Teacher Appreciation holiday was just that single day, originally celebrated on the first Tuesday in March. First discussed in 1944, in 1953 Eleanor Roosevelt wrote to the 81st Congress to persuade them to create a national day for teachers. Finally, in 1980, the first National Teacher Day was declared by Congress.
The National Education Association continued to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day in early March for five years, then voted to change the event to Tuesday of the first full week of May. Back in 1985, the National PTA decided one day was not enough and established Teacher Appreciation Week.
This year the NEA is promoting the theme (and hashtag): “Teachers are Out of This World” #ThankATeacher. Which is fitting for teachers, as the work they do and their impact on students lives’ extend far beyond the classroom walls.
There are many ways to celebrate the teachers in your life this year. Major retailers like Office Depot, Chick-fil-A, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop offer special in-store discounts for teachers.
Organizations like the National PTA and the NEA continue to be involved in the celebration as well. Both organizations have created materials that you can fill out yourself, to thank your teachers for all that they’ve done.
On Wednesday, May 8, you can further show your support for teachers by wearing red and supporting more school funding, professional pay, and better learning conditions. Post a picture of yourself on social media and explain why you’re wearing #REDforED. For example, to thank your teachers for spending their own money on classroom supplies.
Other ways to thank your teachers include volunteering in the classroom, classroom decorations, and creating artwork, poems, or video messages.
How will you thank the teachers in your life this week?