Ideas for National Teacher's Day

Sometimest we take education for granted, but there’s nothing that can inspire a student like the right teacher. Be sure to thank your child’s favorite educator on Teacher’s Day!

We take education for granted, but there’s nothing that can inspire a student like the right teacher. Be sure to thank your child’s favorite educator on ty of rewarding aspects of this job. But, that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be celebrated! In fact, Teacher’s Day on May 5, 2021, is the best time to tell a teacher what they mean to your child. With plenty of homeschooling due to coronavirus, parents are more grateful than ever. Be sure to share your favorite ways to honor an educator on your favorite family app!

Most of us have had a teacher in our life that we remember. Whether it was when we were 7 or 17, there’s someone who inspired our confidence or gave us an idea. There are those teachers that just naturally make us feel better. Whether it’s their positive attitude or sense of humor, they can brighten our day.

Through their passion, we can learn a lot more about the world, whether it's history, literature or music. For those of us who have had difficulty with learning, the right teacher can offer the support we need to succeed. With so many great teachers, a Teacher’s Day celebration makes for a meaningful thank you. 

This day dates back to 1944 when Wisconsin teacher Ryan Krug popularized the idea with local leaders. Mattie Whyte Woodridge, a Helena educator, wrote about the issue to Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States. In 1953, she persuaded the 81st Congress to declare a National Teacher Day. After much lobbying, Congress declared March 7, 1980, to be National Teacher Day. While it was only declared for that year, it continued to be observed on the first Tuesday of March until 1985.

At that time, the National PTA established National Teacher Appreciation Week in the first full week of May. Teacher’s Day would take place on Tuesday during that week. Teacher’s Day 2020 falls on Tuesday, May 5 while World Teachers’ Day takes place on October 5 each year.

As a parent, there are plenty of ways to thank a teacher for their role in your child’s life. The following Teacher’s Day gifts will be sure to make them smile!

• A Card – You’ve probably heard your little one talk about a certain teacher. To celebrate them, one of the best things you can do is say thank you. It might sound too simple but there’s nothing most teachers will appreciate more than a thoughtful Teacher’s Day card. The best gift for many teachers is knowing they’ve helped someone.
• A Coffee Card – Teachers spend their entire day with your little one, and that means they need to stay energized. What better way to thank them for their efforts than a coffee card? Whether they head to the café before school or take a lunch break, this can only fuel their motivation! Extra bonus: buying coffee gift certificates now is a huge help to local businesses who are closed due to COVID-19.
• Supplies – It may seem like a little thing, but many teachers have to pay for supplies out of their own pockets. That’s why sending them some Teacher’s Day supplies can really help. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but a gift basket of post-its, pens and highlighters can be special.
• A Thank You – If you have a good relationship with your child’s favorite teacher, you may want to stop by in person. Of course, during this season of social distancing, a Zoom or phone call might be better. There’s no doubt that your child’s teacher will appreciate the effort and know they’ve positively impacted their life!

There’s no doubt that the right teacher can make an impact on their students. That’s why it’s important to celebrate Teacher’s Day on May 5. Whether you buy some supplies or send a thank you card, tell your child’s teacher what they mean to you!

Do you have any Teacher Appreciation Day gift ideas? Share them with other parents in our comments. There’s nothing more important than saying thank you for a job well done!