The National Education Association (NEA) describes National Teacher Appreciation Day as “a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives,” according to nationaldaycalender.com.

This year, the celebration is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 5, but the first time a day was officially set aside to thank teachers was over 40 years ago, on March 7, 1980.

Teachers have a major role in shaping young minds and Teacher Appreciation Day gives students, parents and community members a chance to thank them for their service. More than ever, parents are aware of the challenges that teachers experience with students being taught at home during the COVID-19 “shelter at home” order, learning all about their time spent not just in front of the classroom, but in lesson planning and grading as well.

Teacher Appreciation Day is generally celebrated in the middle of Teacher Appreciation Week, which is on the national calendars as Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9. However, Armijo has traditionally celebrated earlier, with Leadership students providing special treats for the teachers and staff, including posters and a special luncheon. While those events may not be possible this year, it is still possible to share virtual gratitude through emails and social media. A little Thank You can go a long way to making a teacher feel loved and appreciated.