In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children is sharing the stories of inspiring educators and encouraging families to nominate teachers for recognition.

About Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is the first full week in May. The week got its start as National Teacher Appreciation Day in 1953, when Eleanor Roosevelt asked Congress to set aside a day to recognize educators. The day gained official recognition as a March holiday in 1980, after the National Education Association (NEA) successfully lobbied Congress. In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association expanded the designation to its current week, and moved the celebration to May.

Teacher Appreciation Week recognizes the role teachers play in children’s lives and provides time for students, parents, and caregivers to celebrate the work of educators.

Read Teacher Stories

To read about teachers who have made a significant impact on the lives of children, visit the PA’s Promise for Children website.

Nominate a Teacher for Recognition

It’s not too late to nominate teachers for recognition! To nominate a teacher, email the following to Mary at marhal@pakeys.org:

• the teacher’s name and early learning program or school
• a brief story about the teacher that explains their impact and what makes them special
• a picture of your student with the teacher

Learn More

The above information on the history of Teacher Appreciation Week was compiled from USA Today, NEA, and Hallmark.

To learn more, visit the PA’s Promise for Children website.