There’s a lot to be grateful for in our world today, even if we aren’t sitting in our traditional spots in a classroom. Teachers continue to teach to willing students, offering them a chance to keep on top of their game and for the past 35 years, there has been a celebratory week to say Thank You.

Since 1985, Teacher Appreciation Week has generally been held during the first full week of May. That means that Monday, May 4 will be the first of five days to honor those hardworking teachers. The celebration runs until Friday, May 8.

The idea of honoring teachers with a special day has been in discussion since 1944, according to NationalDayCalendar.com, but it wasn’t until 1953 that Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim National Teachers’ Day. The National Education Association (NEA) observed the first Teacher Appreciation Day on the first Tuesday in March from 1980 through 1984, but then the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) established Teacher Appreciation Week to be hosted in May.

While the entire week is dedicated to showing gratitude to educators at all levels, Tuesday (May 5) is considered Teacher Appreciation Day.

Even with COVID-19 keeping the school buildings closed, there are several ways to tell teachers that they are appreciated. A variety of ideas for students, parents and organizations to express their thanks can be found at https://tinyurl.com/Teacher-Appreciation-Ideas