Teacher Appreciation Week: Celebrating Educators in the U.S.

At ThriftBooks, we appreciate our U.S. educators every single day. Teachers fulfill a vital role, helping students to develop socially and academically as they prepare to take their place in society. Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to give educators the extra applause they so rightly deserve.

Celebrating U.S. Teachers and Educators

Educators in the U.S. become teachers because they truly care about education and the futures of their students. Teachers often go above and beyond, working in the evenings, over the weekends, and during the summers without overtime pay.

Teachers sacrifice for their students every day, often foregoing time with their own families for the benefit of their students. Teaching is more than just a job, it's a calling, and unfortunately, teachers don't always get the recognition they deserve.

Celebrate educators across the U.S. with ThriftBooks as we take a look at some fast facts about teachers in America, and the important role they play in developing our next generation.

Interesting Facts About Our Educators in the U.S.

Surveys tell us that in the United States, teachers come in second place when it comes to the occupation that contributes the most to the well-being of society. First place goes to the military.

Before Lyndon B. Johnson was president of the United States, he was a teacher. During his 20s, he taught at three different schools and reportedly earned rave reviews from students, parents, and fellow educators.

Teachers work an average of 10 hours per day and 52 hours per week. They work an average of 400 hours of overtime each year.

There are more than 3 million full-time and part-time teachers in U.S. public school systems, over half a million private school teachers, and almost a quarter-million public charter school teachers.

Over 92% of teachers spend their own money on their classrooms and students. On average, each teacher spends $459 of their own money for student/classroom supplies each year.

More than two-thirds of students from coast to coast say their teachers are their role models.

Each teacher in the U.S. will influence about 3,000 kids during their most impressionable years.

Surveys reveal that what teachers really want as gifts are gift cards to places like Starbucks, Staples, and other stores. This is instead of frames, mugs, stuffed animals, and other related small gifts.

Since 1950, the number of students in the U.S. has increased by 96% while the number of educators has increased by 252%.

Clara Barton lived from 1831 to 1912 and is most well-known for founding the American Red Cross. What many people don't know is that she was also a respected teacher. She opened a free public school in New Jersey during a time when there were almost no schools in the area.

The median retirement age for educators in the U.S. is 59.

The top highest-paying regions for teachers in public schools are Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, New York, and California.

Author Laura Ingalls Wilder was also a teacher who taught in a one-room schoolhouse near De Smet, South Dakota.

Maria Montessori was an Italian education reformer and medical doctor. She advocated a "discovery" model of education as opposed to the traditional instructional model. She believed that teachers must respect and encourage children's independence and individual psychological development. In addition, she strongly encouraged hands-on projects and freedom in the classroom.

Honoring Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with ThriftBooks. Browse our collection of teachers' favorites and more education resources as we honor educators across the country.

Read more by ThriftBooks Team