NEA celebrates National Teacher Appreciation Week

WASHINGTON - The National Education Association (NEA) is joining students, families, and communities nationwide to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, 2026. This year, NEA is turning appreciation into action by urging lawmakers to stand up for public school educators and students, who continue to face unprecedented challenges under the current administration.

"During Teacher Appreciation Week, communities across the country come together to honor the millions of public school educators who support every student, no matter their background or ZIP code," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "This week is a time to celebrate the extraordinary impact educators have on our students and our future. They help students build confidence, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential, shaping the future every day. When we come together to support and invest in educators, we strengthen our public schools and expand opportunity for every student."

For this year's Teacher Appreciation Week, NEA asked 1,000 educators what would make them feel truly appreciated. More than a third said better pay would be most meaningful, followed by greater respect and support. Additionally, 77% said higher pay would make the biggest difference in their daily lives, and more than half reported working more than one job.

NEA recently released four reports on educator pay from pre-K through higher education, showing that while some salaries are rising, significant challenges remain. Over the past decade, pay has failed to keep pace with inflation, leaving many educators undervalued and underpaid and making it harder for schools to retain experienced educators.

"Educators are the foundation of our public schools, yet far too many are overworked, underappreciated, and still not earning enough to keep pace with the rising cost of living," Pringle said. "When educators are forced to make ends meet under these conditions, it's ultimately our students and communities who feel the consequences. The effects go beyond the educators themselves. When schools struggle to retain experienced teachers or bring in new talent, students miss out on the consistent, high-quality instruction they need to thrive."

Alongside events hosted by schools across the country, NEA will hold a Teacher Appreciation Day event on Tuesday, May 5, at a public school in the Washington metropolitan area. NEA President Becky Pringle, Vice President Princess Moss, and Secretary-Treasurer Noel Candelaria will visit the school to surprise an educator and their students with a token of appreciation in recognition of their dedication to inspiring students.

NEA is calling on the public to help educators know just how appreciated they are by taking action. Write to Congress, learn how to make your voice heard locally, or share a message on social media, tagging @NEAToday and using #ThankATeacher.

Teacher Appreciation Week, celebrated annually during the first full week of May, was officially established by NEA in 1985. National Teacher Day, observed on the Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week, began in 1953 when former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt urged Congress to designate a day honoring educators. To learn more about all NEA is doing to help celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, visit nea.org/TAW.

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, health care workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.