Every spring, as May arrives, a wave of gratitude sweeps through Oro Valley, AZ. Oak-lined streets and busy school halls carry an air of celebration as National Teacher Appreciation Week arrives. This year, from Monday, May 5, 2025 to Friday, May 9, 2025, we pause to shine a light on the educators who guide our children, fuel curiosity, and build the foundation of our community.
The Roots of Gratitude
The story begins in the early 1940s when Arkansas teacher Mattie Whyte Woodridge penned letters to every governor and political leader, urging them to recognize educators’ contributions. One such letter reached First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1944, who championed the idea and persuaded Congress to consider a national day for teachers (honoring the real founder of Teacher Appreciation Week). In 1953, Congress designated a single National Teacher Day; however, observance was sporadic until 1980, when the National Education Association (NEA) and its state affiliates in Kansas and Indiana lobbied Congress to formalize the annual celebration on March 7, 1980 (history of Teacher Appreciation Week).
Expansion to a Week-Long Celebration
Recognizing the power of a dedicated week, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) extended National Teacher Day into Teacher Appreciation Week in 1984, designating the first full week of May for celebrations. The NEA officially adopted this schedule in 1985, cementing the tradition of both a special day and a week-long observance. The PTA continues to provide resources, advocacy, and community support to school communities nationwide.
Spotlight on Educators
In Oro Valley, standout stories capture the spirit of this week. At Rancho Vistoso Elementary, Ms. Torres organizes STEM nights where students launch rockets they design. At Ironwood Ridge High, Mr. Nguyen transformed a dusty sewing lab into a student-led maker space with 3D printers. Across grade levels, teachers volunteer at weekend tutoring sessions, lead art shows, coach robotics teams, and mentor new educators—building character and resilience beyond textbooks.
Ways to Show Thanks
Expressing gratitude need not be elaborate. Consider these simple ideas:
- Drop a handwritten note in the classroom mailbox
- Post a shout-out on social media tagging your school’s PTA
- Send a group card signed by every student
- Bring breakfast or coffee one morning
- Volunteer to help organize a classroom event
Each gesture, big or small, reminds teachers their work truly matters.
School and Community Events
Throughout the week, Oro Valley schools and community partners host events to honor educators. Oro Valley High School PTA sponsors a pancake breakfast; Tortolita Vista Elementary plants flowers with students; local ministries set up treat carts in staff lounges; and Copper Ridge Middle hosts a staff-vs-student volleyball game—turning campuses into festive spaces of appreciation.
Local Discounts for Teachers
Oro Valley businesses join in showing support. Java Cowboy offers a free drink to teachers presenting ID; Wildflower Bakery runs a buy-one-get-one-free pastry deal; The Book Nook extends $5 off purchases over $20; and nearby Tucson retailers provide discounts on supplies—helping educators stock up or treat themselves during this special week.
Letters of Gratitude
One of the most moving traditions is the thank-you letter. Students and parents recall moments like Mr. Castillo’s after-school math tutoring or Ms. Richards delivering forgotten art supplies before a project deadline. Former students write how a teacher’s encouragement inspired careers in medicine, engineering, and education itself. This year, drop-box stations in every school office ensure every note finds its way to the right educator.
A Lasting Legacy of Appreciation
National Teacher Appreciation Week in Oro Valley is more than a celebration; it lays the groundwork for year-round support. After May 9, volunteer tutors, classroom donations, and community partnerships continue the spirit of gratitude. From May 5, 2025 to May 9, 2025—and beyond—let’s honor the teachers who light the path for our community’s next generation.