It’s National Teacher Day: Celebrating excellent educators across all learning environments

National Teacher Appreciation Week kicked off yesterday, with today recognized as National Teacher Day. It was first celebrated in 1953 after Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to set aside a day to honor educators. It was officially recognized as a national day in 1980, and four years later the first full week of May each year became Teacher Appreciation Week. Since 1985, the Tuesday of every Teacher Appreciation Week is observed as National Teacher Day.

On this day, students, parents, and communities around the country get to celebrate teachers and honor all they do. And while showing our appreciation shouldn’t be limited to this week and day, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how teachers go above to help students go beyond.

As a former elementary and middle school teacher, I know firsthand how incredibly rewarding it is to ignite curiosity and spark a lifelong love of learning in students. But I also know how challenging it can be as well. We ask a lot of our teachers, and this is why we must remember the importance of a great teacher and not take that for granted.

Great teachers can be found across all learning environments — from my sister in a traditional public school setting and my best friend in a private school setting to Rebecca in a microschool setting, Michelle in a home education setting, and Amy in a hybrid homeschool setting.

Thank you, educators, for the variety of ways you help our next generation of leaders grow and flourish!

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Who was your favorite teacher? And why? Share your thoughts below!

I will always remember my third-grade teacher Mrs. H. and my fifth-grade teacher Mr. H. (not related). Outside of helping me grow academically, both reminded me in their own ways of my value and potential.