National Teacher Appreciation Day is May 4, also known as National Teacher Day; a day to recognize the lasting contributions that dedicated educators make in our lives. Eleanor Roosevelt established it in 1953 with a Congressional proclamation for a National Teachers’ Day. The National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May and the NEA established the Tuesday of that week as National Teacher Appreciation Day.

As an educator of 20 years, I’m constantly amazed by how often I (Roberto) come across my former students who want to express their gratitude. Most recently after receiving my first COVID19 vaccine shot one of the administrators of the clinic asked to speak to me as I was leaving. She pulled me aside and said “I’m sure you don’t remember me; my name is Lauren” – even with masks on and the fact that it had been 15 years since my U.S. History class I knew who she was immediately. She was so happy that not only did I remember her, but that she had this opportunity to express her gratitude for having me as a teacher. I was already happy about getting the vaccine, but this interaction with a former student gave me so much more joy.

Teacher Appreciation Day is a time to say “Thank You” to the exceptional teachers and educators that you know. Let teacher’s past and present know you appreciate them for all that they do. Show your teachers some gratitude by connecting via social media, sending them a card, or by helping them with classroom supplies. One sure way to let past and present educators in your life know how much they are appreciated is by nominating them as a LifeChanger of the Year.

To all the kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated, and understanding professionals who guide our children in so many positive directions –

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

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