Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual event that takes place during the first full week of May. It is a time to show our gratitude for the dedicated and hardworking teachers who play a crucial role in shaping the future of our society. During this week, we have the opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions that teachers make to our lives, our communities, and our world.
The idea of Teacher Appreciation Week was first proposed by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1953. At that time, the National Education Association (NEA) and other education organizations were lobbying Congress to declare a national day to honor teachers. In 1984, the NEA finally succeeded in getting President Reagan to proclaim the first full week of May as National Teacher Appreciation Week.
Teacher Appreciation Week
I remember the teacher that made me want to be a teacher. Her name was Ms. DiCandia and she taught biology. She was funny and cared about us as people. I wanted to be just like her. I still do.
Miss DiCandia made it look easy. She was able to explain complicated processes like the Krebs Cycle in a way that everyone could understand. She never got tired of answering questions.
She must have been exhausted. Now I know how fiercely she was paddling under the surface to keep up. Now I understand the early mornings and late nights and piles of lab reports to grade while your friends are playing volleyball in the sand.
I’ll never be able to find words that adequately express my appreciation not only for Ms. DiCandia but for all of the teachers that have inspired me, helped me, and challenged me.
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Why should we appreciate teachers?
So why do we need a week to appreciate teachers? The answer is simple: teachers do more than just teach. They inspire, encourage, and guide us in our personal and academic growth. They challenge us to think critically, to question assumptions, and to learn from our mistakes. They provide a safe and nurturing environment where we can explore our interests, develop our talents, and discover our passions.
Teachers also play a critical role in our communities. They help to build the next generation of citizens, leaders, and innovators. They instill values such as respect, empathy, and responsibility in their students, and they model these values in their own behavior. They work tirelessly to create a better future for all of us by equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
How should we appreciate teachers?
So how can we show our appreciation for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week? There are many ways to do this, depending on your resources and your creativity. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Write a thank-you note. This is a simple but meaningful way to express your gratitude for all that teachers do. You can write a note to your own teachers, or to teachers in your community. I still have every thank you note ever given to me in 37 years of teaching.
- Send a small gift. This could be something as simple as a homemade card, a bouquet of flowers, or a box of chocolates. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate; the thought is what counts.
- Donate school supplies. Teachers often have to spend their own money to purchase supplies for their classrooms. Consider donating pencils, paper, markers, or other supplies to a local school.
- Say thank you in person. If you see a teacher in your community, take a moment to thank them for their hard work and dedication. A kind word can go a long way.
- If you’ve got a teacher to thank, stop by our Facebook page and shout them out!
Teacher Appreciation Week is an important time to recognize and honor the contributions that teachers make to our lives and our communities. Whether through a small gift, a thank-you note, or a volunteer opportunity, there are many ways to show our appreciation for these dedicated and inspiring individuals. Let’s take this opportunity to thank the teachers who have made a difference in our lives, and to support them in their ongoing work to educate and inspire the next generation. A week is not enough so I’ll say – Happy Teacher Appreciation Month!