May 7 Is National Teacher Appreciation Day—Here's Your Chance to Show It

A survey of 1,000 adults shows that most do not express appreciation to their former teachers—even though 75 percent say their teachers had a direct impact on their future successes. 

The survey, conducted by Kars4kids from May 1 and 2, 2013, isn't scientific or conclusive, but its conclusions were a good reminder to tell your favorite teacher how much he or she meant to you.

Some of the survey conclusions were that:

• 80 percent of adults recognize that their work ethic, time spent as a community volunteer, and even career choice was a direct result of teachers who inspired them in the classroom.
• 78 percent of U.S. adults had an out-of-classroom experience with their teacher enhancing their learning.
• 61 percent believe that teacher taught them skills outside of the standard curriculum.
• Nearly three quarters of adults said they would want their children to have the same teachers they did. 

Kars4kids uses funds raised by tax-eligible car donations for educational programming around the country.

“We were surprised to learn the very low number of adults who show appreciation for educators who had a large, positive impact in their lives,” said Avi Gordon, Chief Operating Officer of Kars4Kids. “The difference an excellent teacher can have is massive. Some studies have even shown that a student with even one excellent teacher for one year would gain about $4,600 in lifetime income compared to a student of similar demographics who has an average teacher.”

Want to say thanks to your teacher? Add your comments in the field below.