We’re firm believers that teachers deserve appreciation all year long. And we’ll take it in the form of higher salaries and stronger laws to make schools safer for everyone. But we’re fans of the official Teacher Appreciation Day and Teacher Appreciation Week too. Usually Teacher Appreciation Day falls on the Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week, the first full week of May. But this year, things are a little confusing. As if we needed more things to keep us on our toes, right?
In 2023, Teacher Appreciation Day is May 2, 2023, and Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 8 to May 12, 2023
Why aren’t they in the same week? It turns out that since 1984, Teacher Appreciation Week always takes place the first full week of May—and that includes Sunday. Teacher Appreciation Day, on the other hand, takes place on the first Tuesday in May. They line up in most years, but in 2023 there’s an extended celebration. And we’ll take it!
The history of Teacher Appreciation Week
Eleanor Roosevelt was actually the one to first convince Congress that we needed a dedicated period to thank teachers for their hard work. Teacher Appreciation Week began in 1953 after Roosevelt spoke before Congress. (See her writing about it here.) It wasn’t until 1980, however, that it became an official national holiday. And it was originally celebrated in March but was moved to the first full week of May in 1984.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2023 ideas
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, we’ve got you covered!
Check out:
We’d love to hear about your Teacher Appreciation plans or surprises at your school. Please tell us about them in the comments!
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