Teachers’ Day in the USA
Posted by Have you ever had a teacher who helped you, challenged you, or inspired you to make a tough decision? Now is the time to show our appreciation for the remarkable individuals who helped shape our lives. As Marion, one of our experienced English teachers claims, “Teaching does not just include the content itself, but also connecting with the student.”
Every first Tuesday of May, the US commemorates National Teacher Appreciation Day and the start of a week of celebrations to honor educators and recognize the crucial, lasting contributions these dedicated professionals make to people’s lives. This year, it falls on May 5. Are you wondering how you can honor your former and current teachers and observe this special date? Keep on reading!
Photo via Flickr
History of Teachers’ Day
Teacher Appreciation Day, aka Teachers’ Day, is promoted by the National Education Association (NEA), which sponsors dozens of events and activities to honor educators. Interestingly, this celebration started not so long ago:
- In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt (a teacher herself) advocated for this special date in Congress and succeeded: National Teacher Day was to be commemorated on March 7.
- In 1984, the day was moved to May instead of March. Plus, the festivities evolved and became Teacher Appreciation Week, with the first Tuesday of May marking its beginning.
Photo via Flickr
How to Celebrate
With the abrupt end to face-to-face lessons these last couple of months, our teachers have worked even harder to continue ensure students’ education can continue via virtual environments. For many, this has meant learning how to use online teaching forums and tools for the very first time, so they have had to adapt their teaching methods and resources quickly.
So, to express your gratitude, here are some ideas on how to show your appreciation:
- Post on social media under the hashtags #TeacherAppreciationDay or #NationalTeachersDay: Just remember to ask for their permission in case you want to post a picture or a video with them.
- Send a personal gift to your favorite teacher: In times of the pandemic, it might be hard to meet your tutor to give them a present, but you can always send one to their homes (if you know their address), or a gift card to their email. Better still, you can write a letter or note expressing what they mean to you and how grateful you are for their efforts.
- Wear #REDforED: In 2020, the National Education Association (NEA) wants to congratulate those who, in these particularly difficult circumstances, are fighting for school funding, better professional conditions, and improved pay. So, the NEA is asking those who want to show support to wear red on Wednesday 6, 2020, and share a photo on social media using the hashtag #REDforED.
Further, you can participate in the many projects and activities that will be hosted in May, and take some time to honor the great professionals that marked your life (or your children’s) over the years. For example, you can publicly pledge to support teachers and educators throughout the year or reach out to teachers to ask how you can help them. Click here to find a full list of ideas sponsored by the NEA for 2020.
Undoubtedly, teachers play a crucial role in everyone’s lives. From helping us become successful in business to being good citizens, instructors accompany us not only during our years in school but through our entire lives. Take some time to let them know how important they are to you on May 5 and throughout the rest of the month!