Dust off your thank-you notes and raid the gift card aisle—Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is coming up fast. This annual nod to the folks shaping young minds lands on May 5 through May 9, always pegged to the first full week of May. It’s a time when schools, parents, and students across the U.S. rally to give teachers a well-deserved pat on the back. National Teacher Day, the week’s high point, falls on Tuesday, May 6. Mark your calendars.
The tradition kicked off back in the 1950s, sparked by an Arkansas teacher named Mattye Whyte Woodridge, who pushed for a day to honor the profession. By 1984, the National Education Association and the National PTA had cemented the first full week of May as the official time to celebrate. It’s not just a feel-good moment—teachers, who often juggle packed classrooms and tight budgets, get a rare spotlight for their grind. This year, with schools winding down for summer, the week’s timing feels especially poignant.
So, how do you celebrate? Businesses are stepping up with freebies and discounts, especially in places like Tennessee and New Jersey. Restaurants and retailers, from coffee shops to clothing stores, are rolling out deals for educators starting May 5. Some spots require a school ID, so teachers should come prepared. Parents and students can go smaller but just as meaningful: a handwritten note, a $5 coffee gift card, or even a classroom supply like markers can hit the mark. Schools often host breakfasts or luncheons, while PTAs might organize raffles or gift drives. Principals get their own shout-out on May 1, dubbed School Principals’ Day.
For those wanting to go big, organizations like the National PTA offer toolkits with ideas—think student-led appreciation boards or community thank-you campaigns. Teachers don’t expect grand gestures, but small tokens resonate, especially after a year of lesson plans, grading, and wrangling field trips. The key is sincerity, not flash.
Teacher Appreciation Week runs May 5 to May 9, 2025. National Teacher Day is May 6. Principals’ Day is May 1. Discounts and freebies vary by location, so check local listings.