Celebrating Educators: National Teacher Appreciation Week and Beyond

As the school year winds down and the promise of summer vacation beckons, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who shape young minds: our teachers. National Teacher Appreciation Week, observed from Monday, May 5th, to Friday, May 9th, with National Teacher Day falling on May 6th, provides a valuable opportunity to express gratitude for their tireless efforts.

For years, parents have consistently recognized the importance of educators in their children’s lives. A 2023 Gallup poll revealed that an impressive 73% of respondents rated their children’s teachers as either excellent or good. This positive sentiment reflects a high level of satisfaction with the quality of education provided by teachers across the K-12 spectrum. Interestingly, this rating slightly surpassed the 71% mark recorded in a similar poll conducted in 2018, suggesting a growing appreciation for the work teachers do.

However, beneath the surface of parental appreciation lies a stark reality: teaching is an incredibly demanding profession. An April 2024 Pew Survey revealed that a significant proportion of teachers, a staggering 77%, considered their job to be "frequently stressful." Furthermore, a substantial 68% of the surveyed teachers reported feeling "overwhelmed" by the demands of their profession. These figures highlight the immense pressure and emotional toll that teachers often endure.

A separate survey conducted by Horace Mann Educators Corporation, a financial services and insurance provider for educators, further underscored the challenges faced by teachers. The survey, conducted between March 26th and April 1st, revealed that over 30% of teachers reported feeling unappreciated for their hard work and dedication. Despite these feelings of being undervalued, the majority of teachers expressed a steadfast commitment to their students and their calling as educators. This unwavering dedication is a testament to the passion and selflessness that defines so many individuals in the teaching profession.

Recognizing the need to provide teachers with additional support and recognition, Horace Mann Educators Corporation is expanding National Teacher Appreciation Week into a month-long celebration. This extended period of appreciation will include a series of virtual events designed to provide teachers with professional development opportunities, networking possibilities, and a sense of community. In addition, the corporation is offering weekly prizes as a way to show their gratitude for teachers’ hard work. As a grand finale, two lucky winners will each receive a $2,500 Liberty Travel gift card, providing them with the opportunity to take a well-deserved vacation and recharge.

The origins of National Teacher Appreciation Week can be traced back to the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which designated a week in May to honor teachers back in 1984. The National Education Association (NEA) had already been advocating for a National Teachers Day prior to this. However, the seeds of this national recognition were sown much earlier, in 1953, when then-First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt championed the cause of honoring teachers by lobbying Congress to create a special day dedicated to their invaluable contributions.

As noted by the We Are Teachers website, Eleanor Roosevelt eloquently articulated the need to recognize the importance of teachers, stating, "It is quite impossible to give teachers monetary compensation alone that will repay for their devotion to the job and the love that must go to each and every child. But I think we could compensate a little more adequately the teachers in our communities if we were conscious of their importance." Her words continue to resonate today, emphasizing the need to acknowledge and appreciate the immeasurable impact that teachers have on the lives of their students.

If you’re looking for meaningful ways to recognize your favorite teachers, the websites of the National PTA, NEA, and We Are Teachers offer a wealth of ideas and project suggestions. These resources provide inspiration for creating heartfelt cards, organizing classroom celebrations, and expressing gratitude in a variety of creative ways.

In addition to personal expressions of appreciation, many restaurants and businesses are also offering special deals and discounts for teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week. These include specials on gift cards, providing teachers with opportunities to treat themselves and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation away from the demands of the classroom.

Chipotle, for example, which says it has given $16 million in free Chipotle to educators and medical professionals since 2016, will also be using its Round-Up for Real Change feature on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com to support the Kids In Need Foundation and American Nurses Foundation. Through May 13th, teachers – and healthcare workers (as it’s also National Nurse Appreciation Week) – can sign up online to be among the 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers to be randomly selected to win a free burrito.

Furthermore, several hotels are offering discounted rates for teachers during the summer months. Teachers can get deals this summer at six Florida properties in Miami, Miami Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.

Staples offers teachers 20% off their in-store order May 6-8 when they show their valid working ID. They can also get a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens (one per customer while supplies last; find the coupons in the Staples app).

Sonic Drive-In has three exclusive deals for members of the Sonic Teachers’ Circle rewards program – a free Sonic Snack or side with purchase, buy one Sonic Blast, get one free, and a $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger.

Office Depot offers teachers 20% off their in-store purchase with a valid teacher ID during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-10).

These various initiatives highlight the collective effort to show teachers that their hard work is valued and appreciated.

National Teacher Appreciation Week serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that teachers have on our society. It’s a time to acknowledge their dedication, celebrate their achievements, and provide them with the support they need to thrive in their challenging yet rewarding profession. By expressing our gratitude, we can help ensure that teachers feel valued, respected, and empowered to continue shaping the minds of future generations. Let’s make this Teacher Appreciation Week a truly special one, filled with heartfelt expressions of thanks and recognition for the educators who make a difference in our lives every day.