Everything You Need to Know About Teacher Appreciation Week
What is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual celebration for teachers. In 1953 Eleanor Roosevelt pushed for Congress to dedicate a day to recognizing teachers for the difference they make. By 1984 the National Parent Teacher Association designated an entire week to the celebration. The National Education Association describes the reason for the week as
“Honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”
When is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week is always the first full week of May. This year it falls on May 2 - 6.
Teacher Appreciation Week Hashtag
Use #ThankATeacher to share your celebrations, stories, and acts of appreciation on social media.
How to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week
There are many things that you can do to celebrate your teachers, and BOY do they deserve it. I can’t imagine doing what they do! It would be my personal nightmare. I’m just not cut out for that. Not many people are. But what would any of us be without teachers? Simple answer is…not who we are today.
At some point in all our lives, teachers have left their mark and impacted us all for the better. I could go on and on about why Teacher Appreciation Week should be celebrated, but I’m really going to make this easy for you and tell you how to pull it off.
Now, remember, you don’t necessarily have to go crazy for this week. You can show your appreciation in simple ways. But, at Baudville we don’t believe in plain or simple. We go big or we go home. So, without further ado…
Teacher Appreciation Week Themes
There’s no official theme for Teacher Appreciation Week nationwide, so you can create your own! Your theme will dictate your decorations, your gifts, and your events throughout the week. Everyone loves a good theme! Here are three of our favorites:
You Help Us Bloom & Grow (Flower Theme)
- This theme will visually represent the growth that teachers bring to the lives of their students. With flowers everywhere, and a focus on that mindset of growth, you’ll be giving your teachers the chance to stop and smell the roses (literally!), and really making them feel how appreciated!
A Day at the Beach (Beach Theme)
- With this theme you’ll be emphasizing that you want to give your teachers some relaxation for Teacher Appreciation Week. You can use beach decorations, give gifts they can use at the beach, and host events that bring the same peaceful beach feeling (like having a masseuse come into the teacher’s lounge and give quick massages all day long!)
Real Heroes Teach (Superhero Theme)
- This Teacher Appreciation Week theme idea speaks for itself. Show your teachers that you think they are superheroes! I know for CERTAIN that I would never survive one day alone in a classroom with 20 children, never mind expect them to listen to me and be able to make an actual difference in their lives! It takes a special type of person to be a teacher, and it’s important to remind teachers that we are super super appreciative.
Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas
Students and parents typically celebrate the week by writing thank-you cards and giving small gifts to their teachers. Here are some simple things you can do to make your teacher’s week extra special!
- Have kids write a sweet note, draw a picture, or color a printable
- Have parents write a thank you card
- Have each kid bring in a flower to make a bouquet by the end of the week
- Gather school supplies that can be used in the classroom
- Provide lunch
- Have a staff breakfast before the day starts
- Have a supply of treats in the teacher’s lounge
- Decorate their door
Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts
Drinkware for Teachers
Bags for Teachers
Gift Sets for Teachers

Flowers for Teachers
Now get out there and show your teachers just how much you appreciate them!
Related Links
An Open Letter to Teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day
Admins, Nurses, Teachers: Links & Loves
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Thanking Your Teachers
Show Some Love for Your Teachers with These Easy Appreciation Tips!
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