Teacher appreciation week is a once a year celebration of our teachers. They give parents and students so much. When students are feeling their worst, they provide a boost of confidence. They are available to give extra help to students in school or at home. They inspire, motivate, and influence the future of students. Each and every morning teachers show a welcoming smile and every afternoon they give an appreciative good-bye.
Educators deserve our praise and support, not just once a year, but during the entire year.
• Statistically speaking, teachers work an average of more than 52 hours a week. This includes 30 hours on instruction and 22 hours on preparation, grading and lesson planning.
• They work with about 20 students per class. And, new students each school year.
Teacher Appreciation Beginning
In 1944, both political and educational leaders discussed honoring teachers. Eleanor Roosevelt, in 1953, persuaded Congress to proclaim National Teachers’ Day. It was first celebrated on the first Tuesday in March, 1908 and continued until 1985. Since then, the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week to be the first full week of May. In conjunction, the NEA (National Education Association voted to make Tuesday of that week National Teacher Day.
The influence of a teacher alters the course of each student’s life. Their influence inspires students through creative and imaginative lessons that light a spark in learning. And, inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes. So many teachers around the country continue everyday and year after year to light a spark in their students.
Many teachers want respect for what they do every day, not simply one week during school the year. Yes, they appreciate parents preparing food, gifts, and themes for that ‘special’ week. However, what they need is adequate funding for schools, decent pay, valid assessments, job protections and a voice in policy making.
