National Teacher Appreciation Day

Celebrated on 05/05/2026

Quick Fact

National Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Tuesday of the first full week of May, which is also Teacher Appreciation Week. The day was originally proposed by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1953 to the National Education Association, but it took until 1980 for Congress to declare March 7 as National Teacher Day. It was later moved to May in 1985.

Origins and Establishment of National Teacher Appreciation Day

The roots of National Teacher Appreciation Day can be traced back to 1944, when a Wisconsin teacher named Ryan Krug began a campaign for a day to honor teachers. He wrote to political and educational leaders, including Eleanor Roosevelt, who persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day in 1953. However, it was not until 1980 that the National Education Association (NEA) and its state affiliates lobbied Congress to declare March 7 as National Teacher Day. The day was celebrated on that date until 1985, when the NEA moved it to the first Tuesday of the first full week of May, aligning it with Teacher Appreciation Week.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its establishment, National Teacher Appreciation Day has grown into a nationwide celebration. In 1984, the National PTA designated the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week, and the Tuesday of that week became National Teacher Appreciation Day. Today, schools, communities, and organizations honor teachers with gifts, cards, and special events. Social media campaigns, such as #ThankATeacher, amplify appreciation. Many states also issue proclamations, and local businesses offer discounts to educators. The day serves as a reminder of the vital role teachers play in shaping future generations.

Facts & General Observations

• According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are approximately 3.7 million teachers in the United States, making it one of the largest professions in the country.
• A 2022 Gallup poll found that teaching is among the most stressful occupations, with 77% of K-12 teachers reporting frequent job-related stress.
• The average teacher spends about $500 of their own money each year on classroom supplies, according to a 2020 survey by the National Education Association.

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