Faculty and Staff Appreciation

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In the United States, Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week is observed every May. Although the origins of the event are somewhat uncertain, the movement to set aside a day to honor teachers began in the 1940s. In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt lobbied Congress to declare a National Teacher Day. It was not until 1980 that Congress proclaimed March 7 National Teacher Day, and in 1985, the National Education Association, along with the Parent Teacher Association, voted to change National Teacher Day to National Teacher Week and to move the event to the first full week of May. Over the years, the focus has evolved to include staff and other faculty members, as well as teachers.