Teacher Appreciation Day-How to Thank an Educator

“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." Carl Jung.

What does the 'Merry Month of May' bring?

May is a month of significant ‘thank you’s’ according to the greeting card shop: Hallmark. Most importantly, of course, is Mother’s Day. In the United States, Mother's Day is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In other countries around the world, Mom’s Day is honored in March, April and even as late as June.

Additionally, the greeting card leader promotes two service oriented professions this month: nursing and teachers. Nursing Week is always the first week in May with May 6^th designated as Nurses Day.

Here is a question that people often ask: What day is 'Teacher Appreciation Day'?

In the United States, Teacher Appreciation Week begins on the first full week of May, with the first Tuesday of the week set aside as Teacher Appreciation Day . If you did not realize this you still have time to send a thank you note to a teacher, (or a gift), because this year the 'Day of the Teacher' will fall on May 8th, 2012-mark your calendars. Teachers in America, and throughout the world, are often the unsung heroes in your child’s life and no one understands the importance of the role of teachers until many years later.

“Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.” Jacques Brazun

The origins of National Teacher Appreciation Day, while inconclusive, may have had its early beginning in 1944 when Arkansas teacher Mattye Maye Whyte Woodridge began the campaign to acknowledge teachers annually by writing to political and education leaders prompting them to take action.

In 1953, following Woodbridge’s letter to Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady persuaded the 81^st Congress to initiate a National Teachers Day to recognize and celebrate teachers nationwide.

In 1980, Congress recognized March 7^th as National Teachers Day for only that year. However, the National Education Association, (NEA), continued to observe the March date through 1985. After 1985, both the NEA and the National Parent Teacher Association, (PTA), established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week in May, making the Tuesday of that week National Teachers Appreciation Day. It is the one day a year that you can sincerely express your gratitude for your teachers.

Teacher recognition is not reserved for the United States alone. Over 100 countries honor teachers on October 5^th, the date commemorating the signing of the ‘Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers’ in 1966 by the UNESCO/ILO, (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization/ International Labor Organization).

The purpose of UNESCO is to promote international collaboration through education, science and culture, in accordance to the United Nation’s overall goals of universal justice, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Covered in the 1966 conference recommendations were thirteen areas that were highlighted, including definitions; scope and guiding principles; teacher’s rights and responsibilities; and addressing the teacher shortage.

Global appreciation for educators acknowledged on World Teacher Day, October 5^th, helps draw public attention to the importance of education and the role of teachers in our society. Without well trained principals and teachers our future citizens and leaders of the world would not be possible.

There are many ways that teachers are important to the world. Not only do they teach fundamental basics such as math, reading, and science, they also shape and influence future generations through role modeling values and citizenship. They advocate for the student; encourage and inspire. Their energy and creativity provides opportunities for growth. Many teachers put in extra hours to help with activities, after school tutoring, and exam preparation.

Teacher Appreciation quote #3

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Adams

I come from a multi-generational line of teachers, including my father, my oldest brother, my sister, and my oldest daughter. Teaching was always my first line of career choice, desiring first to be a Montessori teacher, and later becoming a dance instructor. Teaching is in my blood.

“I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.”  Lily Tomlin

“A true disciple shows his appreciation by reaching further than his own teacher.”  Aristotle

“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”  Andy McIntyre

 “Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”  Malcolm Forbes

“The highest result of education is tolerance.”  Helen Keller

“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.”  Khalil Gibran.

“The mediocre teacher tells.  The good teacher explains.  The superior teacher demonstrates.  The great teacher inspires.”  William A. Ward

If you would like to give a special teacher a token of appreciation, either during Teacher Appreciation Day, or at the end of your child’s school year, here are a few teacher items that may be a big hit:

1. Gift Cards-an easy gift to purchase-buy one for a bookstore, such as Barnes and Noble, or for a popular coffee shop, like Starbuck’s.

2. Totes-Brookstone or make a durable, roomy canvas bag just right for all of that neat 'teacher stuff'. Personalize your buy or make it even more special by finishing it off yourself: buy a canvas tote from a sewing or craft store and decorate it with stenciled paintwork or embroidery.

3. Gift baskets-they don’t have to be huge: a small ‘fragrance’ gift basket or one filled with sweet treats are always favorites. Find out what your teacher's favorite interests are and customize it.

4. For the male teacher: Pen and pencil gift sets are always appreciated.

5. Stationary: Memo pads and other ‘to do’ stationary can be purchased at dollar stores making this gift thoughtful, but inexpensive. Great idea if you have more than one teacher to remember.

6. A photo frame-is always a useful gift. Again, this can be a simple 3x5 size for a desk, or something larger.

7. Books-No one can own too many books is my philosophy and any teacher would appreciate a copy of Chicken Soup for the Teacher’s Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. Other ‘book’ type gifts are: scrapbooks, photo albums, and journals.