Teacher Appreciation Day

"How did you get where you are today?" Behind the answer to this question, for many, is a teacher who was there to motivate, inspire, and assist. Teachers have the responsibility to raise generation after generation, filling students with the classroom lessons and life lessons they will need to be successful. Perhaps a kindergarten teacher who taught you how to count is implanted in your memory. Maybe a high school teacher who introduced you to calculus impacted your educational path. While we should appreciate these selfless people everyday, this week is teacher appreciation week. The highlight of the week is today, May 3rd, which is officially Teacher Appreciation Day.

With a presidential proclamation dated April 29th, President Barack Obama officially declared Teacher Appreciation Week to begin May 1st and end May 7th. With this, he also shared some powerful words connecting our teachers to the success of the United States as a whole. Here are some highlights.


"As our Nation has advanced on our journey toward ensuring rights and opportunities are extended fully and equally to all people, America's teachers -- from the front lines of our civil rights movement to the front lines of our education system -- have helped steer our country's course. They witness the incredible potential of our youth, and they know firsthand the impact of a caring leader at the front of the classroom."

"In working to ensure all our daughters and sons have the chance to add their voice and perspective to America's story, our teachers help shape a Nation that better reflects the values we were founded upon." 

"On National Teacher Appreciation Day and during National Teacher Appreciation Week, let us ensure our educators know how much we value their service in the classroom, how much we appreciate all they do for our students and families, and how thankful we are for their contributions to our national progress."

So here is the perfect opportunity you've been looking for to show your teachers how much they meant to you. Send out that email you've been thinking about, or fire off a tweet. If you're still in school, say an extra thank you as you pass by in the halls. A few words can go a long way in showing people your appreciation. Below are a few words from famous modern and historical voices that express the importance of teachers in throughout history.

"Teaching is the greatest act of optimism." 

Colleen Wilcox

"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

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

“I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well” 
Alexander the Great 

"I think the teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any other single profession"
Jon Wooden

"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery"
Mark Van Doren


There you have it! Everyone from Alexander the Great to Barack Obama has expressed an admiration and great respect for teachers. Now it's your turn! If you are a teacher, then the Center of Math would like to say thank you on our behalf for all of your hard work and dedication. A recent twitter trend asks teachers why they teach. With the hashtag #whyiteach, many teachers are responding. Here are some of our favorite answers.




From these powerful tweets, it's clear that these teachers are not seeking a reward or gratification. For many, seeing their students succeed is reward enough. However, an extra thank you doesn't hurt. Keep your teachers in mind today and everyday. #ThankATeacher