Even as children we knew there was great power in being a teacher. Remember playing school and fighting over who was going to lead the group? Future Teachers of America Day, celebrated annually on November 20, was made to celebrate just how great teachers are. It’s sponsored by The Future Teachers of America, an organization that helps future educators prepare for the classroom and become a part of a professional community. Through mentorship and teaching opportunities, they help teachers hone their skills and become wonderful educators. So won’t you celebrate with us?
Future Teachers of America Day timeline
Eleanor Roosevelt takes the idea of National Teacher Day to Congress.
National Teachers' Day was first celebrated on March 7, with the date pushed to May a few years later.
Social Media is used to recognize educators on a global scale.
A reported number of 200,000 first-year teachers work across the United States.
Future Teachers of America Day Activities
-
Give a gift certificate
If you know someone hoping to be a teacher, get them a gift certificate for office supplies! Any teacher will put that to good use in their studies or in their classroom. If you want to be more fun, get them a gift card to a local coffee or bagel place. The school day starts early, and this will encourage them to be their best!
-
Write a thank you note
Take today to write an encouraging note to the education department of a local college. Be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them taking on the awesome task of educating children and shaping tomorrow’s citizens. If you want to be a superstar, attach that same note to a box of doughnuts or a bag of candy and leave it in the student lounge. It will be just the encouragement our future teachers need!
-
Play school
Maybe you're too old to play school with your own friends, but your children aren't! That’s why, this Future Teachers of America Day, you should introduce your children to this hallowed game. Provide them with some paper and colored pencils and let them be in charge of you, giving assignments and home work. Not only will they get great pleasure out of telling their parents what to do, but you just may inspire them to become a teacher.
Why We Love Future Teachers of America Day
-
They work hard
Teaching is hard work, and we applaud those brave souls who are in the field. Need proof? They're paid between $36,000 and $45,000 annually, must have at least a four year degree, and are probably spending hundreds of dollars of their own money to supply their classrooms with materials. And their day isn't over when the school bell rings—they have to grade papers, write lesson plans and coach clubs. Give teachers a round of applause.
-
We are facing a teacher shortage
Now, more than ever, we need young people to enter the field of education. Did you know that, according to recent polls, only 4.2% of college freshman enrolled in four year institutions in 2016 are majoring in education? This is why we love the future teachers who are gearing up to teach our children—they're helping to fill this teacher shortage, and giving our kids some much-needed education.
-
They spend a lot of time with our kids
During the academic year, our children spend about 1,080 hours of the year in school. That whole time, teachers have to be compassionate, knowledgeable, patient, and fair. That's a hard task, and we salute future teachers for learning how to do it.
Future Teachers of America Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 20 | Sunday |
| 2023 | November 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | November 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | November 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | November 20 | Friday |
