National Teacher Day, May 5, 2009
National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, 2009

On Tuesday, May 5, 2009, Americans will celebrate National Teacher Day. The theme is "Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools." Read more about the history of National Teacher Day at the NEA Web site.

Honor teachers with a “Champion Teacher” certificate (pdf), or purchase a gift from the Missouri NEA image item store such as pens, lapel pins, totes or notepads. Teacher Day notepads (10 cents each) can be purchased online or by calling the MNEA office at 800-392-0236.

As educators, we know that our profession is a life of giving and sharing--of unlocking the magic of learning. We also know that good teaching is a gift and something to be treasured.

National Teacher Day, which falls during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8, 2009), is a wonderful opportunity to remind the larger community of the value teachers bring to our lives and the lives of children. It is also the perfect opportunity for school boards, school administrators, community members and students to salute and thank those who touch the lives of our children through teaching.

To help you celebrate . . .

Display a Teacher Day poster (shown above) in the classrooms and halls of your school. Download and print (pdf) on 11x17 card stock or use the pull-out poster found in the spring issue of Something Better.

Each year MNEA produces two-color notepads (shown right) which make perfect inexpensive gifts to present to all teachers in a district in recognition of National Teacher Day. The notepads can be purchased for 10 cents each.

Order Teacher Day notepads online or contact Linda Bell by phone (800-392-0236) or mail (1810 E. Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101) to order the Teacher Day notepads. A check or credit card authorization must accompany your order.