Teachers shape minds, inspire dreams, and sometimes even save us from last-minute homework disasters! National Teacher Appreciation Day is the perfect time to give back to these everyday heroes. But do you know how this special day started? Or the best ways to celebrate it—whether you’re a student, parent, or fellow educator?
In this fun and informative guide, we’ll explore:
✅ The origin of National Teacher Appreciation Day
✅ How it’s celebrated nationwide
✅ Gift ideas to show gratitude
Let’s dive in and make this year’s celebration unforgettable!
Shop Teacher Appreciation Week gift ideas at Amazon
The Origin of National Teacher Appreciation Day
How It All Began
Believe it or not, the push to honor teachers started way back in 1944! A wise Arkansas teacher named Mattye Whyte Woodridge wrote to political and education leaders, suggesting a national day to recognize educators.
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Her efforts paid off when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt convinced Congress in 1953 to proclaim a National Teacher Day. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that the National Education Association (NEA) officially established National Teacher Appreciation Week, with Tuesday of that week marked as Teacher Appreciation Day.
Amazon eGift Cards For Teachers
The Evolution of Teacher Appreciation
The idea of honoring educators isn’t new—ancient civilizations like Greece and China revered teachers as pillars of society. In the U.S., the movement gained momentum in the 20th century as education became more formalized.
By the 1980s, the NEA partnered with PTA groups and school boards to make Teacher Appreciation Week a nationwide tradition. Today, it’s celebrated in schools, on social media, and even by major companies offering teacher discounts!
When Is It Celebrated?
Unlike fixed holidays, the day falls on the first Tuesday of May each year, with the entire week dedicated to celebrating educators.
Fun Fact: Some countries have their own versions—like World Teachers’ Day on October 5th, recognized by UNESCO!
Shop gift ideas for National Teacher Appreciation Day
Schools, students, and communities get creative in showing love to teachers. Here’s how people celebrate:
Show Your Gratitude with creative gifts ideas they’ll actually look forward to receiving!
Teachers so often do not receive the acknowledgement that they merit. With all of the endless hours they devote to grading assignments, lesson planning and investing in the lives of our children, locating a good method of saying thanks for what they do—and its uncountable effect—is more than an occasional challenge.
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Luckily, Teacher Appreciation Week arrives this week, which allows us a built-in reason for dedicating a few moments to visit some care into taking that something for those teaching figures in our lives.
To make it simpler, we’ve compiled a list of gift ideas at Amazon and Walmart below. Be sure to shop around and locate the ideal one to bring smiles to your teachers’ faces this week.
Shop Teacher Appreciation Week gift ideas at Amazon:
Amazon is our first stop for wonderful gift ideas—regardless of the occasion. If you’re having a problem coming up with gift ideas for your child’s teacher and would just like to let them buy whatever they would like, you can pick up an Amazon gift card which begins at $10.
Amazon eGift Cards For Teachers
Shop Teacher Appreciation Week gift ideas at Walmart
Walmart offers some wonderful teacher gift ideas at very low prices. We’ve listed some of our favorites below, but if you’re having trouble finding the ideal gift idea, you can always give a Walmart gift card for as little as $5.
When is Teacher Appreciation Week 2025?
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9. Teacher Appreciation Week is the best time to express your gratitude for all teachers simply by saying ‘thank you’ or presenting them with a small token of appreciation for all the effort they put in.
Final Thoughts: Why Teacher Appreciation Matters
Teachers don’t just teach—they mentor, encourage, and inspire. Whether you’re a student, parent, or colleague, taking time to say “Thank You” on National Teacher Appreciation Day (and beyond!) makes a difference.
Which idea will you try this year? Drop a comment below with your favorite way to celebrate teachers!