Welcome to the
      Thank a Teacher Project

      The Thank a Teacher Project is an educational effort that will be coordinated on the Internet. Teachers, students, and individuals are invited to participate. There's lots of time to plan your activities for May 7, 2002. You don't have to wait, you can participate anytime.


      What is National Teacher Day?

      "The mediocre teacher tells.
      The good teacher explains.
      The superior teacher demonstrates.
      The great teacher inspires."
      William Arthur Ward, English novelist

      National Teacher Day is our opportunity to recognize special teachers who do more than educate; they entertain, challenge, encourage, and instill a lifelong love for learning in their students.



      When is it celebrated?

      The first National Teacher Day was celebrated in 1953. In 1985, the National Education Association and the National PTA designated the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week. National Teacher Day is celebrated on the Tuesday of that week. That means the date is different each year.

      In 2002, Teacher Appreciation Week will be celebrated May 5th-12th. Tuesday, May 8th has been designated National Teacher Day.


      What can you do?

      This project is designed with the hope that individuals of all ages will participate. First, spend a few minutes thinking about your school experiences. Does one teacher stand out as having made a difference in your life? Think about what made this teacher special to you. Draw a picture or write a story about the teacher. There are many more project ideas. Whatever you do, include these five things in your work:

            1. What is the teacher's name?
            2. What grade or subject do they teach?
            3. What is the name of the school where they teach?
            4. In which town and state is the school located?
            5. Why do you want to thank this teacher?

      Remember to write your name and grade on your work. If you are an adult, you may want to include your age or current profession.

      Share your stories or drawings about teachers with others by displaying them in your school or sending them to the teacher if you can.

      Individuals may share stories about special teachers and educators may record their school's participation in this project by clicking here


      Don't forget, the most important part of the Thank a Teacher Project is to record your participation by sharing your stories. You don't have to wait until May 2002, you can submit a story anytime.



      You can learn more about National Teacher Day by visiting the web site of the National Education Association:

      http://www.nea.org/teachday/

      For those who enjoy reading, here's a list of books that contain stories about and for teachers.



      Meet the coordinator of this web site by visiting
      Kim Defibaugh's Home Page

      Have comments or need more information?
      Contact Kim L. Defibaugh, Ed.D.

      © 2001 All Rights Reserved