Teacher Appreciation Week to be marked May 4-8, National Teacher Day to be celebrated May 5

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 5, 2015) — Teachers make a difference in the lives of millions of children every day in schools across the country—and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. National PTA and the National Education Association (NEA) have teamed up to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8) and National Teacher Day (May 5), in honor of teachers and the important contributions they make.

“Teachers educate, innovate, care, support and encourage, and the impact they have on children’s lives and futures is so valuable,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. “This is the one week of the year when teachers take center stage and are recognized for their steadfast efforts to ensure every child reaches his or her full potential, both in school and beyond.”  

Throughout the week, students, families, schools and communities nationwide will conduct a variety of events and activities to recognize and thank teachers for their outstanding work and dedication to ensure students’ success.   

“As a teacher, I know first-hand the important and lasting influence that teachers have on the lives of their students,” said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García, a sixth grade teacher from Utah who was named its 1989 Teacher of the Year. “Teachers give our students that boost of confidence when it’s needed the most and that extra help when things are especially tough. By partnering with National PTA, we’re asking all Americans to join us in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week and thank a teacher.”    

During the weeklong celebration, National PTA and NEA are encouraging everyone to reflect on, recognize and thank a teacher who shaped their life and inspired them to become who they are today by:

• Sharing a photo of a special teacher on social media with the hashtag #ThankATeacher
• Sending heartfelt letters, cards and messages of appreciation
• Creating artwork, poems and video messages
• Volunteering in classrooms and giving back to teachers
• Recognizing teachers with awards
• Joining the #ThankATeacher conversation to raise awareness about the vital role teachers play in the lives of students

At the end of the week, 10 randomly drawn people who participated in the #ThankATeacher social media campaign will receive a $100 VISA gift card to give to their favorite teacher for classroom supplies.

National PTA has designated the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week since 1984. For decades, NEA has celebrated National Teacher Day each year on Tuesday of the first full week of May.

For more information about Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day, visit PTA.org/ThankATeacher or NEA.org/TeacherDay. You can also view a special video message from Presidents Thornton and Eskelsen García.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About NEA

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than three million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.