Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 Dates and Gift Ideas

Olivia Joseph, a kindergarten teacher at Howard Norman Elementary School in Hutto, sits with her students during an assembly before she was surprised with the $25,000 Milken Educator Award on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Joseph is Texas’ only 2025-26 honoree and the first from Hutto ISD, and the 60th Texas recipient since the state joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 2000.

Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Do you or your child have an outstanding teacher or other school staff member? Now is the time to let them know.

It's the first full week of May, which means Teacher Appreciation Week is here. This is a chance to celebrate educators and staff who make an impact in your life, with kind words, thoughtful letters or a gift.

While teachers don't expect anything from administration, students and parents, they always cherish a small surprise on Teacher Appreciation Day or throughout the week.

This year, Teacher Appreciation Week is Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8.

Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated across the U.S. and recognizes the dedication of teachers to their students and communities. The annual observance is also a time for students, parents, administrators and others to express gratitude for the hard work and invaluable service educators provide.

Teachers of Tomorrow reports the period of recognition dates back to the 1950s, when Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge began a movement to honor the profession. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt pushed Congress to officially establish it in 1953, though at the time it was only one day. In 1986, the National Education Association, or NEA, citing "overwhelming support for honoring teachers," called for it to be extended to a full week.

When is National Teachers' Day 2026?

National Teachers' Day is always the Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week, which is May 5 this year.

When is School Nurse Day 2026?

School Nurse Day is always the Wednesday of Teacher Appreciation Week, which is May 6 this year.

When is Principal Appreciation Day 2026?

Principal Appreciation Day, also called School Principals' Day, is always on May 1.

Gift ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week

Kimberly Poole arranges mementos, many of which are gifts from students, on a shelf in her classroom at J. Lupton Simpson Middle School on April 17, 2025 in Leesburg, Va.

Pete Kiehart/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Some gifts never get old, and that's true for many gifts for educators. Here's a quick list to get you started:

• plants or flowers
• school supplies
• gift cards
• something thoughtful

May 4, 2026