It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Teachers all over the country change the lives of millions of children every day. And in yet another year of challenges, our teachers’ immense work, creativity, and resilience have provided a much-needed sense of community and connection to our young people. Educators across America are working hard to ensure every student has the tools they need to reach their full potential.

The history of Teacher Appreciation Week dates back to the 1950s when a teacher named Mattye Whyte Woodridge began the movement to establish a national day to honor teachers. In 1953, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to set aside a day to recognize teachers. Back then, it was just a single day of recognition.  However, due to the overwhelming support for honoring teachers, the National Education Association (NEA) successfully lobbied to turn it into a full week in 1986. Today, Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of May, with Teacher Appreciation Day falling on the Tuesday of that week.

This year, in 2024, Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated from May 6—10, with Teacher Appreciation Day falling on May 7. To celebrate this year, here is a message from Becky Pringle, President of the NEA. “Educators, you are leading the way. Guiding and protecting; nurturing and supporting our precious students all across this nation. Every day, all day, you provide our students with the tools they need to build a future that will help them live into their wildest dreams,” Pringle says.

Teachers, know that you are loved and appreciated! Have a wonderful day, this week and every week!