National Teacher Day in the United States takes place on the Tuesday of the first full week of May, as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. It celebrates the dedication of educators and the important role they play in shaping students’ lives and strengthening communities. The National Education Association (NEA) describes it as “a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”
📅 Looking for a fun way to bring more recognition and joy into the classroom? Check out our National Days Calendar for Teachers and Students (2025–2026 school year). It includes one celebration for every day, from educational observances to lighthearted food holidays—perfect for classroom activities, bulletin boards, or daily inspiration.
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When Is National Teacher Day?
National Teacher Day is always observed on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. Here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Day of the Week and Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Tuesday, May 6 |
| 2026 | Tuesday, May 5 |
| 2027 | Tuesday, May 4 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, May 9 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, May 8 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, May 7 |
Why National Teacher Day Matters
Teachers shape not only the minds of their students but also the future of communities and nations. This day encourages gratitude, reflection, and recognition of the countless hours teachers dedicate beyond the classroom—mentoring, guiding, and inspiring lifelong learning.
It also provides an opportunity for students, parents, and communities to express appreciation through simple acts—thank-you notes, classroom support, or public recognition—that affirm the profound impact educators have on every generation.
Related Observances Around the World
Teachers are celebrated worldwide, with many countries observing their own versions of Teacher Day alongside the U.S. holiday.
- World Teachers’ Day (October 5): Established by UNESCO in 1994, World Teachers’ Day is celebrated in many countries worldwide to recognize teachers’ roles in education and development.
- UK’s National Thank a Teacher Day (June 19):
In the United Kingdom, this day highlights gratitude and recognition for educators. - State-Specific U.S. Observances: For example, Massachusetts observes Teachers’ Day on the first Sunday of June each year.
History of National Teacher Day
The idea of a day to honor teachers began in the 1940s when Mattye Whyte Woodridge, an African American teacher from Arkansas, wrote to leaders across the country to propose a national observance. Her efforts reached Eleanor Roosevelt, who persuaded Congress to proclaim the first National Teacher Day in 1953. This initial recognition, however, was not made an annual event.
In 1980, Congress declared March 7 as National Teacher Day for that year only, and the NEA continued to observe the day in March for several years. The modern version took shape in 1984 when the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week in May. The following year, the NEA designated the Tuesday of that week as National Teacher Day, a tradition that continues today.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
