The movement gained momentum in 1980 when the National Education Association (NEA), alongside school districts and lobbying groups, urged Congress to create a formal observance. Congress declared March 7, 1980, as National Teacher Day. By 1984, the celebration shifted to May, aligning with the end of the school year. The following year, the NEA established the first full week of May as National Teacher Appreciation Week, with Tuesday of that week designated as National Teacher Day.
A Week of Gratitude Today, schools and communities use this week to celebrate teachers through thank-you notes, gifts, assemblies, and social media shoutouts. The National PTA’s concurrent "Teacher Appreciation Week" emphasizes the collective effort to honor educators.
Why It Matters Now Teachers have always shaped futures, but recent challenges—from the COVID-19 pandemic to shifts in education technology—highlight their resilience. As former First Lady Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Teachers nurture those dreams daily. How You Can Participate This year (May 5-9), take a moment to thank your teachers. Whether through a handwritten card, a classroom decoration, or a simple “thank you,” your recognition matters. After all, behind every successful student is a teacher who believed in them first. Let’s make this week a reminder—not just in May, but year-round—of the profound impact educators have on our lives.
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