[ 미국 ] ' 교사 의 날 ' ( National Teacher Day , 2008 . 5 . 6 ) 
 In 1944 an Arkansas teacher , Mattye Whyte Woodbridge , began a letter - writing campaign about the need to recognize the impact of the nation ' s educators . Woodbridge contacted leaders in politics and education , among them Eleanor Roosevelt , who took up the cause and persuaded the 81 st Congress to proclaim a one - time National Teacher Day in 1953 . 
 National Education Association members and others continued to sponsor programs honoring teachers and their role in shaping the future . Since 1985 National Teacher Day has been observed on Tuesday of the first full week in May . 
 A letter of appreciation from AAPT ' s President : 
 In recognition of National Teacher Day , the American Association of Physics Teachers wishes to express its appreciation and gratitude to you for your work with the physics students of America . Whether you teach in a high school , a two - year or four - year college , or a university , you are making a difference in the lives of our future scientists . 
 A teacher is someone who leads you on the path of understanding . 
 A teacher is someone who inspires you to be your best . 
 A teacher is someone you can count on when you need a helping hand . 
 A teacher is someone who changes your life forever . 
 Great physics teachers are a gift . Their raw material is the natural curiosity of human beings . Teachers nurture that curiosity , develop a sense of wonder , encourage the thirst for knowledge , introduce the basic building blocks of mathematics and physics concepts , and help students apply those concepts to everyday life . Some of those students may become 
 teachers in turn . Some may develop the skills necessary for serious physics research and go on to pursue advanced degrees , becoming the physicists of tomorrow . No matter at what level you teach , your role in the lives of your students is critical to their future success . 
 We are all teachers in one way or another . Teaching is an essential function in the life of every professional physicist , whether in a classroom , in a research laboratory , in seminars , in journals , or in dealing with the public on a community problem . Yes , we are educators , professors , researchers , or directors , but our first responsibility is to teach . 
 AAPT , as the leading organization for physics teachers and physics education , provides services to help you enhance your teaching skills . 
 AAPT helps you enrich the lives and learning of your students and make your work more fulfilling . We invite you to join us -- to read our outstanding journals , and participate in our workshops , seminars and 
 conferences . We applaud your efforts , and we thank you for all your service to your students and to physics education . 
 Best wishes , and congratulations on your special day , 
 Lila Adair , President 
 There is an old saying that the course of civilization is a race between catastrophe and education . In a democracy such as ours , we must make sure 
 that education wins the race . 
 For more information about National Teacher Day , go to Latest News on our website www . aapt . org . Follow the links to read about outstanding educators honored by AAPT this year .