National Teacher Appreciation Day, recognizes dedicated educators across America. The celebration takes place on the first Tuesday of May each year.
There must have been a teacher who inspired you to become a better person. Someone who made you strive harder and discover your hidden abilities. A teacher leaves a lasting impression on every student.
At the workplace, you get to know new people, especially those with a wealth of skills, and realize a teacher made them into who they are today. Hence, why not dedicate one day to honoring teachers and their contributions to society?
A day marked by gift-giving, and the showering of accolades from the students.
How much do you know about this day? Gauge your understanding of the National Teacher Appreciation Day with these interesting facts.
5 Interesting Facts About National Teacher Appreciation Day
Did you know there are an estimated 7,000,000 teachers in the United States? Here are a few other interesting facts about National Teacher Appreciation Day that you didn’t know. Read on to gain more insights!
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First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt spearheaded it
Eleanor Roosevelt urged Congress to dedicate a day to recognizing teachers for all that they do. Although some schools had already set aside a day to recognize teachers, the day was still not official.
It wasn’t until 1980 that the day became official, despite her efforts. In its inception, National Teacher’s Day was celebrated on March 7 until it was moved to May 1984.
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It was Mattye Whyte Woodridge’s idea
Teacher Mattie Whyte Woodridge from Arkansas suggested that Teachers’ Appreciation Day be established in a letter to Eleanor Roosevelt.
She had previously written to every governor in the United States. Her correspondence with politicians and education leaders stressed the need for a national day to honor teachers. One of the many letters she wrote fell onto First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s desk in 1944.
Her efforts combined with Eleanor’s persuasion resulted in a National Teacher’s Day.
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Teaching was ranked as the second most important Occupation
In a Pew survey conducted in 2009, Americans ranked teachers as the second most important occupation contributing to society’s wellbeing. It ranked second only to the military.
On average, teachers work 52 hours a week. They are not compensated for the time spent planning lessons after school or grading assignments on weekends.
Educators in the United States tend to make 14% less than people in professions that require similar levels of education.
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It precedes World Teacher’s Day
While the National Teacher’s Appreciation Day is observed in May, the World Teacher’s Day is observed every year on October 5.
World Teacher’s Day celebrates all teachers around the globe. The event commemorates the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation regarding the Status of Teachers, which establishes standards for teachers’ initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and conditions for teaching and learning.
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Several other countries have adopted it
Albanians celebrate it on March 7, when the first Albanian-language school opened. Bhutan celebrates it on May 2nd in honor of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who introduced modern education to the country.
In Brazil, it was established by a decree regulating elementary schools on October 15. Whereas in Estonia, every October 5, students grant leave to teachers by conducting lessons themselves.
In Guatemala, every year on June 25, they mark this day by remembering the teacher Maria Chinchilla Recinos, who lost her life in a violent protest against the government.
Conclusion
The greatest tool we have is knowledge, and teachers are the ones who impart it. It’s important to keep this legacy of continuous knowledge alive in order to have holistic growth.
Teachers take on so much and ask for so little in return. It’s only right to encourage them to perform their jobs effectively, so we can have a brighter tomorrow.