Although the origins of Teacher Appreciation Day in the United States are unclear, it is clear that an Arkansas teacher, Mattye Whyte Woodridge, corresponded with political and education leaders in 1944. She expressed the need for a national day to honor teachers. According to the National Education Association, Woodridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt, who persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day in 1953. Congress declared March 7, 1980 as National Teacher Day for that year only. National Education Association and its affiliates, according to the site, proceeded to celebrate the day in March of each year. In 1985, the National Education Association Assembly changed the national event to the first Tuesday of the first full week in May of each year.
Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated under varying names in countries across the globe. Afghanistan celebrates the day similar to American tradition on May 24. The country of Bhutan celebrates teachers on May 2, in celebration of the birth anniversary of the third king of Bhutan, who introduced education into the country, according to School of Educators online. Colombia, Iran, Jamaica, Malaysia and Mexico also celebrate teachers in May.
Teachers Appreciation Day is celebrated in each educational institution in India on Sept. 5 annually. Those within the Indian culture feel that teachers are next to God, with teachings and guidance helping others learn their true potential. Sept. 5 is a respected day, being shared as the birth date of India's former president Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Students present skits, recitals, dance and song renditions and treat their teachers to lunch. Teachers are also rewarded in India on Appreciation Day by being awarded according to their field of expertise, including science, math, psychology and other specialized fields, according to Teacher Appreciation.
Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated on June 6 each year in Bolivia. Bolivians commemorate the capital's first Teacher's School, founded in Sucre in 1909. June 6 is also the birth date of famous Bolivian teacher Modesto Omiste Tinajeros, in 1840, according to Teacher Appreciation online. Bolivian children recite songs and poems, written and dedicated to their teachers. Teachers are also paraded around towns in Bolivia on June 6 during nationwide simultaneous celebrations.