An excellent teacher can be instrumental in your child’s life, so be sure to thank your child’s favorite educator on National Teachers’ Day, this May 3, 2022!
Time to Celebrate Teachers
Most of us have had a teacher in our life that we remember. Maybe it was a kindergarten teacher who taught us our letters, or a dance teacher who taught us how to move. Perhaps we had an art teacher who helped us appreciate beauty or even a college advisor who became a mentor later in life. Dedicated members of the teaching profession boost our confidence and bring out the best in their students. Their positive attitude or sense of humor can help impressionable young people believe in themselves.
Through their passion, we can learn a lot more about the worlds of history, literature, and 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 Teachers’ Day celebration makes for a meaningful thank you. It’s an ideal opportunity to honor and support teachers and educators who work so hard for our students.
What Is Teachers’ Day?
This day dates back to the 1940s, but experts aren’t completely sure whether it originated from Arkansas educator Mattie Whyte Woodridge or Wisconsin teacher Ryan Krug. More than likely they both had a similar idea around the same time. Woodridge wrote to every governor in the nation, and Krug popularized the idea among local Wisconsin leaders. By 1944, Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States, received a letter from Woodridge promoting the idea of honoring teachers through a national holiday.
In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt 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.
When Is Teachers’ Day Celebrated?
In the United States, Teacher’s Day occurs on the Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week. So this year, the date of the celebration will be May 3, 2022. The international Teachers’ Day celebration, World Teachers’ Day, takes place on October 5 each year, with over 100 countries participating.
Beyond these two dates, citizens of many countries celebrate teacher day on multiple dates throughout the year. There’s even a “parents as teachers day” on November 8 to recognize homeschool parents in the U.S.
Don’t forget American Education Week, held the week before Thanksgiving each year. This celebration is even older than Teacher’s Day, as the National Education Association (NEA) recognized it as early as 1921, nearly 60 years before Teachers’ Day.
How Do We Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week?
As a parent, there are plenty of ways to thank all the dedicated teachers for their role in your child’s life. The following Teachers’ Day gifts will be sure to make them smile! You can find more teacher gift ideas here.
A Homemade 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. Of course, that doesn’t mean they don’t also appreciate a cash gift or other monetary appreciation gift.
A Coffee Gift Card
Teachers spend their entire day with your little ones, and that means they need to stay energized. What better way to thank them for their efforts than an e-gift card to their favorite coffee shop? If you want to spruce up the gift presentation, give them a travel mug or thermos to go with the coffee.
School 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 for all of their classroom needs can really help. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but a gift basket of post-its, pens, adhesive stickers, office supplies, a planner, or highlighters can be special.
A Personal Thank You
If you have a good relationship with your child’s favorite teacher, you may want to stop by in person. There’s no doubt that your child’s teacher will appreciate the effort and know they’ve positively impacted their life!
Thank You, Teachers!
The right teacher can be instrumental in shaping young lives and improving society. That’s why it’s important to celebrate Teachers; 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! Teachers make lasting contributions to the lives of young people, and it’s
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, so be sure to thank your favorite educators on this special day!
