68 saved#2,934 of 6,224

Teacher Appreciation Week

Saluting the heroes of the classroom in Teacher Appreciation Week! Honor their dedication and influence, shaping minds, one student at a time.

Monday

3–7

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEFirst Full Week in May (Monday to Friday)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYEducators

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Wave your flags for the educators out there as we kick off Teacher Appreciation Week, starting May 5! This special week finds its roots back in 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to set aside a special day to honor teachers. Over time, the appreciation extended from one day to an entire week. Teachers are at the heart of education, working tirelessly to cultivate curious and mindful students. This is a week when we can celebrate their endless hours of grading papers, designing engaging lessons and always lending a patient ear! So mark your calendars, and get ready to salute these classroom heroes!

TIMELINE

Teacher Appreciation Week Timeline

Eleanor Roosevelt's Proposition

Eleanor Roosevelt convinced the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day, marking the beginning of honoring teachers nationwide.

Congressional Declaration

Congress declared 7th March as National Teacher Day for that year only, sparking a trend of annual recognition.

Birth of Teacher Appreciation Week

The National Parent Teacher Association designated the first week in May as a time to honor teachers, thus establishing Teacher Appreciation Week.

National Education Association Involvement

NEA and its affiliates across the country started making direct efforts to get all communities celebrating their teachers during this week.

Social Media Recognition

With the advent of social media, Teacher Appreciation Week started becoming a trend with #ThankATeacher, expanding awareness and gratitude to a broader audience.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Send thoughtful notes

A heartfelt note expressing your gratitude towards your teacher can go a long way. You can express appreciation for the hard work they put into teaching and share your favorite memory from their class.

GIFT

Gift a book

Teachers are always expanding their knowledge. A great way to thank them is by gifting a book they’ve wanted or that you think they will enjoy.

ORGANIZE

Organize appreciation at home

If you have children, inspire them to show appreciation for their teachers by creating handmade cards, drawing pictures, or writing letters. You can then send these tokens of appreciation digitally or by mail.

Share a gift card

You could give them a gift card to their favorite local restaurant, bookstore or online retailer. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses too.

HOLD

Hold virtual celebrations

In the era of online classes, consider holding a virtual appreciation event. This could consist of a fun online gathering or award ceremony to celebrate the efforts of your teachers.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Teacher Appreciation Week is Important

Teachers provide lifelong lessons

Beyond academics, teachers help students develop life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and resilience. These are lessons that students take away from the school and keep with them for life. Appreciation Week is a time to remind ourselves of the long-lasting impact teachers have on our lives.

Teachers shape lives

Teachers not only educate us on various academic subjects but also greatly influence our personalities, behaviors, and values. They guide and mentor students, encouraging them to be curious and open-minded. This appreciation week is a fantastic opportunity to honor their invaluable contribution.

Teachers work tirelessly

Behind every successful lesson plan is a lot of hard work, late nights, and dedication. Teachers spend countless hours preparing lessons, grading papers, offering extra help, and continuously developing their teaching skills. Celebrating them during this week is a small token of recognition for their devotion.

Related holidays

TUE

May 2026

Careers

National Teacher Day

Show your appreciation to teachers on National Teacher Day - thank them for their dedication and hard work in shaping young minds!

Love Teaching Week

It's time to spread the love for teaching during Love Teaching Week! Join us in celebrating and honoring all the hardworking educators out there.

World Teachers’ Day

Show your appreciation for the amazing teachers in your life on World Teachers' Day - gifts, cards, and kind words are a great way to show your thanks!

Elementary School Teacher Day

Elementary School Teacher Day - join us to celebrate the heroes shaping young minds, molding our future change-makers every day!

11Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API