Once Mattie May Whyte Woodridge made up her mind, the world changed. A dedicated educator in the segregated South in the 1940s, Woodridge decided that our nation needed a day to celebrate one of its most valuable assets – educators. With determination and patience that only an educator can muster, she launched an impressive letter-writing campaign.
According to the , she wrote to every governor in the United States, urging them to designate one day a year to honor educators. Eventually, her efforts caught the attention of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who brought the idea to Congress. The National Education Association (NEA) joined the effort, and in 1980, National Teachers’ Day was born. It became Teacher Appreciation Week in 1984.
The knowledge and skills educators impart to their students are the foundation on which peace and progress are built. From the first day of kindergarten to graduation, education is our world’s most tremendous gift, but it’s easily overlooked. Woodridge knew this, and ACE follows her example by celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week every year.
This year, we specifically want to honor educators as builders of bright futures because they prepare young people to change the world. Nobel Prize winners, inventors and civil rights leaders who left the world better than they found it began their journeys as students. Someone patiently taught them to read and write, corrected their mistakes and encouraged them to work toward their goals.
Of course, educators impart much more than just knowledge. In a single day, they may act as counselors, first responders, encouragers, protectors and friends. Whether you’re an educator looking for ways to reward yourself or have an educator in your life for whom you feel thankful, Teacher Appreciation Week has much to offer.
How to Thank an Educator
Before you venture out to buy something for the educator in your life, consider giving a more personalized gift. Some of the most cherished gifts educators receive are notes, pictures, crafts and illustrated stories from the students they teach and their families.
The NEA offers a variety of ways to honor educators on social media, including Teacher Appreciation Week graphics and templates to share. If you tag them with a shout-out to your favorite educator on Instagram, they may feature it on theirs. A little fame and recognition on this special day will make any educator feel seen and honored. You can .
If you want to shop for the educator in your life, it’s wise to spend a little time observing what they like so you can choose a thoughtful gift. If you notice them standing in the carline on a cold morning with a Starbucks cup or see a well-worn book lying on their desk, consider a gift card to Starbucks or a local bookstore. Staying thoughtful and observant while respecting personal boundaries can guide you to the perfect gift.
Remember that most educators live on a budget and often purchase classroom supplies and treats from their own pocket. Many make long commutes to serve schools that need their services. Gift cards may seem impersonal, but they are always welcome. They can be from local grocery stores, gas stations and more general markets like Target, Walmart or Amazon.
How Educators Can Celebrate Themselves
If you are an educator looking for ways to pamper yourself on a budget, Teacher Appreciation Week is the right time to look for deals and discounts at businesses near you. Staples, Costco, Adidas and Lenovo offer discounts to educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. Restaurants and cafes like McDonald’s, Outback Steakhouse and Starbucks also provide discounts and giveaways.
If you’re ready to restock your wardrobe, LOFT, Madewell and Bonobos have curated deals and discounts. Always confirm with businesses before you shop and be ready to present your school-issued ID or badge to prove you’re an educator.
While most businesses only offer these deals during Teacher Appreciation Week, some, like Barnes and Noble, give discounts to educators all year when you register with your school-issued ID.
National Teachers’ Day is observed on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 8. Enjoy this opportunity to thank the educators in your life. To all our educators raising the next generation of world-changers, your patience, kindness and determination are seen and honored.
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