You may not think so, but we are all teachers at some period in our lives. As parents and guardians, we are responsible for teaching in our homes. As Christians, we are all responsible for teaching what is right according to the Word of God.
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, we can reflect on Charles Kuralt’s viewpoint that “good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.” Therefore, “Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew…” (Deuteronomy 32:2).
This article is intended to explore the history of Teacher Appreciation Day in the USA, the importance of this day, and why it is celebrated.
History of Teacher Appreciation Day
Teacher Appreciation Day stems from Mattye Whyte Woodridge, who originated from Arkansas, USA. Wooldridge began to dialogue with educational leaders regarding the need for a national day to celebrate teachers. Through Woodridge’s persistence, she wrote to an American political figure, Eleanor Roosevelt. It was in 1953 that Roosevelt influenced the 81st Parliament to decree a National Teacher Day that would actively celebrate and appreciate teachers across the nation.
As such, the National Education Association (NEA) and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) implemented Teacher Appreciation Week in 1985 during the first week of May. The NEA voted for Tuesday of the whole week to become National Teacher Day. Subsequently, the Tuesday of this entire week is National Teacher Day in the USA.
Related Article: Prayer for Teachers
The Importance of This Day
Teacher Appreciation Day is an essential day within America to enable our communities and nations to reflect on the contributions and efforts teachers make to the progress and achievement of children. It is a day where we purposefully honor and recognize our nation’s educators for the difference they make inside and outside of a school context.
This day is essential because, as a nation, we can unite to repay the tremendous gratitude and appreciation that is due. This day is important because teachers demonstrate integrity to those they teach; “to those with integrity, you show integrity” (Psalm 18:25).
Teacher Appreciation Day is important because it is through the act and role of teachers and the schools in which they serve that children can learn and understand the pledge of allegiance. It is the teachers that teach the “formal promise of loyalty to the United States that groups of people say together,” thus demonstrating the unity of a nation; “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).
This day is a day of celebrating ‘inspiration.’ Many of our teachers and educators nationwide have looked for creative and imaginative ways to ignite that light within their students year after year. So, we celebrate and give thanks for Teacher Appreciation Day, where we can thank teachers for their hard work and commitment, making the future of those they teach much brighter.
Why Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day 2024
We celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day 2024 because, from research, only 29% of teachers agreed, “In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.” Proverbs 3:27 declares, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.” Therefore, Teacher Appreciation Day will enable us to recognize and reflect on how we feel about those teachers who have changed, touched and transformed the lives of others.
Giving recognition to teachers has a direct impact on the key performance indicators that are used to measure the progress of schools. Therefore, by celebrating our teachers, they are likely to:
- Become more productive.
- Remain at the school, thus reducing high levels of staff turnover.
- Receive continuous satisfaction comments from students, parents, and other stakeholders.
- Be focused and engaged at work.
Everyone in all walks of life at some point wants to be recognized for the things they do. Therefore, we must treat others how we want to be treated; “do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).
We celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day and do so each year because there is no requirement for any financial investment but rather the repetition of three simple words; “we appreciate you.” Therefore, teachers must be appreciated individually and frequently.
Let Us Pray for Our Teachers
Father, we thank you for all our teachers across this country and further afield. We thank you for their creativity, work ethic, commitment, drive and passion to those who they educate. We thank you for the lives they have changed and transformed. Father, on this Teacher Appreciation Day, bless those teachers who have contributed to the lives of others, inspiring them to become doctors, nurses, solicitors, and educators. Let this day be a day of appreciation, honor, respect, and recognition to those to whom it is due: our teachers, the ones who see the best in the lives of others and strive to make something beautiful out of it through education and creativity. Amen.
