The first Teacher Appreciation Week was celebrated in 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to assign a day to honor the educators of America. Eleanor Roosevelt got the idea from an Arkansas teacher, Mattye Whyte Woodridge, who began corresponding with political and education leaders about the need for a national day to honor teachers, and around 1944 Woodridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt. However, it did not become a national celebration until March 7, 1980, after the National Education Association urged congress to officiate the holiday. People continued to celebrate teachers for only a day in March until the National Parent Teacher Association designated the first full week of May to celebrating teachers. People now recognize the holiday as a week dedicated to those who make lasting contributions to our lives.

For the teachers of Shore Regional, they received numerous small gifts such as a salad shaker, “teacher survival bag” including a DD gift card, Starburst candies, a Shore Regional pin, and handmade cards from administration and student councils. Teachers want to inspire their students and get inspired by them as well. Ms. Bertolami said, “I love seeing the kids get inspired, which is what I’m passionate about.” Other teachers said that they love sharing what they love to do with the new generation. “I love sharing the art of dance with today’s youth,” Mr. Edwards said about his motivation to come to work. Teachers deserve a week to be appreciated as they do so much for us.