Teacher Appreciation Week

Categories:: Appreciation
Tags:: Love
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: First full week of May
Holiday emoji:: 🍎

Teacher Appreciation Week, observed the first full week of May, is a dedicated time to honor the incredible work and lasting impact of educators. From shaping young minds to inspiring future leaders, teachers deserve our heartfelt gratitude. Take this week to thank a teacher, support school programs, or advocate for educational resources.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
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Expected Teacher Appreciation Week Deals

Teacher Appreciation Week is a prime time for brands and organizations to show their gratitude through special offers and recognition programs. While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that retailers like Target and Office Depot often provide exclusive discounts on supplies and classroom essentials for verified educators. Coffee chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin’ have been known to offer free beverages or special deals. Many local restaurants and businesses also participate, providing free meals or discounts to teachers. Look for online resources from the National Education Association (NEA) and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for comprehensive lists of participating brands. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.

Platform Guide for Teacher Appreciation Week

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #TeacherAppreciationWeek. Share stories of inspiring educators or highlight corporate support for teachers.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TeacherAppreciationWeek. Post photos of your favorite teachers, classroom moments, or creative ways you’re showing appreciation.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #TeacherAppreciationWeek. Share quick shout-outs to teachers, news about local school events, or advocate for educational policies.

Teacher Appreciation Week Hero

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, was instrumental in establishing a national day to honor teachers. In 1953, she successfully lobbied Congress to adopt the idea, following efforts by Arkansas teacher Mattye White Woodridge. Her advocacy underscored the critical importance of recognizing educators' contributions to society.

History of Teacher Appreciation Week

Teaching is one of the oldest professions – in 561BC, the first private teacher in history was one of the most learned men of all time, Confucius. In Ancient Greece, there was huge value placed on educating children, and in the 1600s the Pilgrims also placed a similar emphasis on the practice.

By the 19th century, politicians began to believe that education was needed for political order, and elementary through college education was widespread and public, and the need for teachers has been growing ever since!

Though the origins of Teacher Appreciation Week are somewhat murky, it’s clear that it was in 1944 that an Arkansas school teacher, Mattye White Woodridge, wrote to politicians and educational professionals about the demand for a day to appreciate teachers. However, it wasn’t for nearly a decade until the idea was introduced to Congress by none other than Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1953, she was successful in convincing lawmakers to adopt the day.

After the National Education Association (NEA) and Kansas and Indiana state affiliates lobbied Congress again to create National Teacher Day on March 7, 1980, they continued to observe it yearly even though Congress did not. They did this until 1985 when the Assembly transformed the single day into the first full week of May.

Teacher Appreciation Day is described by the NEA, which spearheads the weeklong event, as “a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.” Each year they provide social media kits, printable teacher achievement certificates, contests, and gift suggestions to help teachers feel all the appreciation we have for them.

Teacher Appreciation Week timeline

1984

A Change of Date

Teacher Appreciation Day was celebrated on March 7 until 1984, when it was moved to its current date in May.

1980

Lobbying for Learning

Though Teacher Appreciation Day and Week had long been in the works, it was 1980 when the National Education Association joined forces with school boards and lobbied Congress for it to become a national holiday.

1953

Classroom Cooperation

Eleanor Roosevelt was able to convince the 81st Congress to create the first Teacher Appreciation Day.

1944

The First Rumblings

It was in 1944 that the first discussions of creating a national day to honor teachers began between politicians and education professionals.

Teacher Appreciation Week FAQs

When is Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 runs from Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9. It’s the perfect opportunity to show gratitude for the educators in your life.

How many teachers are there in the U.S.?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are approximately 3.7 million full-time equivalent teachers in public and private elementary and secondary schools in the U.S. for the 2023-2024 school year. This vast workforce shapes millions of lives annually.

Who started Teacher Appreciation Week?

The origins of Teacher Appreciation Week trace back to efforts by Arkansas teacher Mattye White Woodridge in 1944, who advocated for a day to honor teachers. Eleanor Roosevelt later convinced Congress to adopt the idea in 1953, with the National Education Association (NEA) eventually establishing the week-long observance in 1985.

Is Teacher Appreciation Week a federal holiday?

No, Teacher Appreciation Week is not a federal holiday, meaning schools and businesses generally operate as usual. However, it is widely recognized and celebrated across the country with various events and gestures of gratitude.

How to Observe Teacher Appreciation Week

Bring a gift to your teacher
Many associations, like National PTA, offer suggestions for gifts to give to teachers and provide fun printable thank-you notes and flyers. Other great ideas to honor your teacher’s work include gift cards, donations, baked goods, decorating their classroom door or teachers lounge, volunteer in a classroom, or use the official hashtag #ThankATeacher
Reach out to an old teacher
We all remember at least one old teacher fondly, and chances are they remember you and would love to know what you’re up to. See if they are still teaching at your old school and plan to pay a visit, give a call, or even add them on social media to keep up with them! It’s a great chance to let them know the impact they have had on your life.
Donate to teachers!
Many associations have made it their mission to support teachers with school supplies and making ends meet. Some of the best organizations to send a little extra to this week include Donors Choose, Fund for Teachers, and the National Education Association Foundation. You can even specifically fund particular subjects, like the arts or math and sciences!

5 Delightful Facts About Teachers

Putting in the Hours
One study indicated that the average workweek for teachers was 53 hours.
Focusing on What’s Important
In one survey, teachers made it clear they were not in it for the money - 97% noted that good school leadership was the most important factor for them to stay in their role. Salary didn’t even make the top ten.
Fighting for Our Students
Teachers are second only to the US Military as the occupation that most heavily contributed to the well-being of society, according to one study.
Cramped Coffers
Studies show that at some point, 94% of teachers go into their own pockets for classroom purchases.
Retirement Advantages
Most teachers are eligible for a 403(b) plan because of the nature of their employer i.e. public schools.

Why We Love Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers shape our lives!
From elementary school to university, everyone can think of at least one teacher who pushed us to be our best selves, inspired us, or showed us a new way of thinking that stuck with us. Where would we be without them?
They work SO hard
Arguably no one works harder than teachers. Presenting material to classes of children is no easy feat and they deserve all the credit for that. Beyond just delivering material, teachers devote countless hours at home to creating lesson plans, grading material, and coming up with fun extras to make the class more engaging.
We can give back
It’s no secret that schools often don’t have the budget to spend on all the things teachers need to run an engaging classroom. Many teachers have online wish lists of things they need, like colored pencils or tape. If you want to think bigger, consider donating to schools or school districts, so they can afford larger items that more students can use.