National Teacher Day

National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10, 2013.

Great teachers make great public schools. On National Teacher Day, May 7, 2013, thousands of communities take time to honor their local educators and acknowledge the crucial role teachers play in making sure every student receives a quality education.

As educators, we know that our profession is a life of giving and sharing--of unlocking the magic of learning. We also know that good teaching is a gift and something to be treasured.

National Teacher Day, which falls during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10, 2013), is a wonderful opportunity to remind the larger community of the value teachers bring to our lives and the lives of children. It is also the perfect opportunity for school boards, school administrators, community members and students to salute and thank those who touch the lives of our children through teaching.

To help you celebrate . . .

• Display a Teacher Day poster in the classrooms and halls of your school. A 11x17 poster can be found in the centerfold of the spring issue of Something Better. Download now (pdf)
• Find artwork, resources and activity ideas at http://www.nea.org/grants/1359.htm.
• Honor teachers with a “Champion Teacher” certificate (pdf).
• Purchase a gift from the MNEA Image Item Store or contact David Predmore by phone (800-392-0236).
  
  

National Teacher Day Spotlights Key Issues Facing Profession

The teaching profession has changed dramatically over the past 50 years. As part of its annual National Teacher Day celebration, NEA is highlighting key trends in the teaching profession. Find out the key issues facing the profession.

Nominate a Classroom Superhero!

They don’t have the cape or the flashy tights, but educators are rising to a superhero challenge every single day. Few people have such an impact on all of our lives, and the lives of our children, as educators.

NEA’s Classroom Superheroes campaign allows parents, students, and community members to show educators the support they deserve. Find out more and then nominate your classroom superheroes.

History of National Teacher Day

The origins of National Teacher Day are murky. Around 1944 Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge began corresponding with political and education leaders about the need for a national day to honor teachers. Woodridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt, who in 1953 persuaded the 81^st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day.

NEA, along with its Kansas and Indiana state affiliates and the Dodge City (KS) Local, lobbied Congress to create a national day to celebrate teachers. Congress declared March 7, 1980 as National Teacher Day for that year only.

NEA and its affiliates continued to observe National Teacher Day in March until 1985, when the NEA Representative Assembly voted to change the event to Tuesday of the first full week of May. 


 

- Teacher Appreciation Week

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