The California Day of the Teacher is celebrated on the Wednesday of Teacher Appreciation Week.

Each May, we recognize the vital contributions of California teachers. The event is modeled after the traditional “El Dia del Maestro,” which is observed in Mexico and Latin American countries.

Our California Day of the Teacher arose out of legislation co-sponsored by CTA and the Association of Mexican American Educators in 1982. Since then, each May we honor instructional excellence in our public schools, community colleges and universities.