Teacher Appreciation Week is a time for communities to honor their local educators, and to give back to the teachers who work daily to make a difference in the lives of students across the world.

While Teacher Appreciation Day has been celebrated since 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt first proposed the idea to Congress, it was finally made official on March 7, 1980 after lobbying by the National Education Association. Five years later, the National PTA established the first full week in May as being Teacher Appreciation Week.

With over three million teachers in K-12 public schools, there are numerous issues that educators currently face. Reports by the NEA state that 45 percent of new teachers leave the profession in their first five years, and about 16 percent of the overall three million teaching spots in public schools are abandoned annually. Teachers are calling for better technology training and for more time to learn and collaborate with colleagues. Also, the pay gap continues to grow between teaching positions and other occupations that require a college degree.

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week 2012, take the time to give back to the teachers who have made a difference in your life by checking out what some the organizations on Razoo are doing to help. Or start your own Teacher Appreciation fundraiser by clicking here.

The San Francisco Education Fund

The San Francisco Education Fund leverages human and financial capital to ensure that every student graduates ready for college, career, and civic responsibility. They work with the entire school: teacher, parents, administrators, students and volunteers to strengthen schools.

A project of The San Francisco Education Fund – Show San Fran Teachers Some Love

This project is working to raise funds for classroom supplies and thank-you notes for teachers in San Francisco public high schools.

Yosemite Elementary School Parent-Teacher Group

The Yosemite Elementary School Parent-Teacher Group works to support the needs of teachers and students. They offer assistance with attaining the tools teachers need to give children an education.

National Teacher Assistance Organization

The National Teacher Assistance Organization provides teachers with tangible contributions to reduce their workload and improve their overall working conditions.

Twin Cities German Immersion School

Each year Twin Cities German Immersion is proud to host an Amity intern for each of our classrooms. In 2011-2012 they have 14 interns each semester and aims to host 16 for the 2012-2013 year. Amity interns are teachers in training from German-speaking countries who come to the United States to gain experience in the classroom.

T.C. Williams Public High School

T.C. Williams High, Alexandria, VA’s only public high school, is raising money for next year’s Teacher-Student Organization Grants. The grants are awarded for special projects that benefit students and reward teacher initiative. This year they awarded 10 grants totaling $3200, and a matching grant from Alexandria Toyota: $500 for 500 donors! Help them reach their goal.

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