Black Teacher Appreciation Day – May 7

Posted by The Center for Black Educator Development on April 14, 2026

Join us in honoring this year’s National Black Teacher Appreciation Day (May 7, 2026) theme, Black Resistance and Joy: Celebrating Black Educators and Teaching as a Practice of Freedom.

This is a national storytelling movement to celebrate Black educators. Students and adults across the country can point to a teacher who has changed their lives. For millions of people across the country, that teacher was a Black educator.

Black teachers have always been mentors, leaders, and culture bearers in our communities. And yet, their presence in classrooms has declined over generations. Today, they make up only about 7% of the teaching workforce.

Studies show that Black students are more likely to graduate high school and attend college when they have at least one Black teacher during their K-12 education. Yet, systemic barriers continue to limit the recruitment, retention, and well-being of Black teachers.

We need everyone—students, families, educators, and advocates—to take action and show appreciation for Black teachers.

Black Teacher Appreciation Day is about appreciation and action.

Learn more.


More in "Miscellaneous"


Stay Current in Philly's Higher Education and Nonprofit Sector

We compile a weekly email with local events, resources, national conferences, calls for proposals, grant, volunteer and job opportunities in the higher education and nonprofit sectors.