We know that teachers spend a lot of time ensuring their students are learning, growing and well cared for. Teachers truly do love their students. So Teacher Appreciation Week is a given...but how was it started?
Teacher Appreciation Week began in 1953 with Eleanor Roosevelt as its creator. Mattye Whytte Wooldridge from Arkansas wrote to Eleanor, asking for her help in forming a day to honor teachers around the country. Eleanor then went to Congress to convince them of the need. Even though Congress supported the idea, it took another 27 years for the holiday to become nationally observed!
What was first a National Teacher Day was celebrated on March 7th. Then in 1984, it was moved to May and changed to an entire week. This time is meant not only to honor teachers but to also to let them know that they are making lasting impressions on students. The NEA describes it as "a day of honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives."
How will you thank the teachers in your life? Comment below to be entered to win a FREE diffuser. (Each comment is another entry!)
Rachel Bartels
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