About Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers play a number of vital roles, and Teacher Appreciation Week is a celebration of the lasting impact teachers have in students’ lives and the benefits they bring to the community. It’s a chance for schools, parents and students to recognize local educators. Schools around the country celebrate by giving gifts, hosting special events and tackling some of the issues that face teachers today.

The idea for an official celebration originated with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who asked Congress to designate a day honoring teachers in 1953. Roosevelt praised teachers, saying that “next to parents, they are the most important people in our communities.” The first official Teacher Appreciation Week happened in 1984, sponsored by the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Each year, the National PTA creates a theme and puts together resources to help schools and communities participate.

When is Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teacher Appreciation Week takes place in early May. The dates are different every year. In 2024, the celebration runs from May 6-10. It includes National Teacher Day, which happens on May 7.

How to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

A week celebrating teachers is an opportunity to give gifts and gratitude, but it means so much more—supporting educators is essential for employee retention. This year, pamper your teaching staff with Teacher Appreciation Week ideas ranging from small treats to substantial gestures.

1. Serve a hot breakfast in the teachers’ lounge

Kick-off Teacher Appreciation Week with a special surprise—a delicious catered breakfast. Offering a cup of coffee and snack can provide a number of benefits and can help your staff start the school day feeling fueled and energetic.

Make sure to choose foods that are easy to eat, such as:

• Breakfast sandwiches

• Donuts and muffins

• Yogurt parfaits

• Fruit cups

When school starts, package the food and put it in the refrigerator so teachers can snack on it when they get a break. You might also consider stocking the lounge with a few extra-special treats to keep the fun going all week long.

2. Host a door-decorating event

Work with the school PTA to organize a door-decorating evening. Gather a variety of colorful supplies, including balloons, streamers and construction paper. Then, ask parents and students to come in on a weekend or evening to decorate each classroom door. If possible, give the students an active role—they’ll love sharing their contributions.

For an extra surprise, cover the finished doors with plastic tablecloths. That way, students can surprise their teachers with a dramatic reveal. It’s a fun way to involve the whole class and start Teacher Appreciation Week on a positive note.

3. Celebrate teachers’ achievements and contributions

There’s no better time than Teacher Appreciation Week to step up your employee recognition efforts. Let your teachers know they’re doing a great job by going out of your way to celebrate their successes.

To start, find something to celebrate about each person on staff:

• Completing a master’s or PhD program

• Increasing class test scores

• Making a breakthrough with a student

• Creating a unique teaching method

• Finding ways to support students’ families

Throughout the week, make a point to recognize each accomplishment. The appropriate forum varies based on privacy requirements. If the achievement is sensitive or related to a specific student, you might thank the teacher in person or in a staff meeting. For more general achievements, including teaching awards, consider a public announcement—a congratulatory post on the school Facebook page, for example, or a write-up in the school newsletter.

4. Provide resources for self-care

Teaching is a demanding profession, which means that self-care is critical. Encourage your educators to stay on top of their mental health with proactive steps:

• Encourage open communication. Stress, burnout and mental health challenges often make teachers feel isolated. Talking about problems openly can help them feel less alone. As a leader, you can take action by creating a safe environment and being candid about your own struggles.

• Implement self-care activities. Schedule yoga classes, morning meditations or group walks. It’s an opportunity for teachers to relax, build relationships and feel grounded in the present.

• Connect teachers with counseling services. Help your teachers find the support of licensed counselors. You might publish a list of local providers, remind staff of the therapy benefits in their insurance plans or bring in a counselor for periodic sessions.

Empowering teachers to care for their mental and physical health can create a more supportive school culture. When administrators and teachers participate equally, it can have a bonding effect that improves relationships, communication and job satisfaction.

5. Collect thank-yous from former students

Reach out to former students and ask them to share how your school’s teachers have impacted their lives. Invite them to submit written stories, photos or videos.

Get in touch with past students through:

• Alumni groups on social media

• High-school reunion committees

• School email lists

• Parent associations

Set up an email address and a page on the school website for people to submit their stories. Then, gather all the materials together and present them at an all-school assembly during Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers will love hearing from former students, and they’ll never forget the words of gratitude.

6. Schedule a book drive

Help your teachers build better classroom libraries by holding a community-wide book drive. Set up tables in the school gym, and ask community members to drop off any books they no longer need. Accept both new and used books—you’re likely to get donations from families, local businesses and community members. It’s an easy, affordable way to support local teachers.

Publicity is the secret to a successful book drive. Post about the event in public newspapers, ask local radio stations to run public service announcements and share on your social media page. You can even put book boxes in local businesses to make donating even easier.

7. Take a stand for your teachers

One of the most effective ways to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week is to advocate for your staff. Is there an issue they’re particularly interested in? Use this special week to start making progress.

To make a difference for your teachers, try actions such as:

• Revisiting the teacher evaluation process with school administrators

• Meeting with the school board to discuss policies that teachers want

• Lobbying the state Board of Education for better funding

As education leaders, not everything is in your control. By taking the actions that are within your power, you can show teachers you’re willing to fight for them when it matters most.

Teacher Appreciation Week FAQs

Is it appropriate to give gifts to teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week?

If your school has the resources, Teacher Appreciation Week is the ideal time to give gifts to teachers. Just make sure that everyone receives an item of similar value. Don’t forget to include other educators in the fun, including substitute teachers and aides.

Is it okay to give cards to teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week?

Cards can be a thoughtful way to thank teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Make them more meaningful by asking current and former students to write notes of gratitude inside the card, or encourage them to create their own.