You’re the Reason We’re Celebrating

May 4 – 8, 2026

We’re extending Teacher Appreciation Week into a full month of celebration — with encouragement, giveaways, and community just for you.

“Art teachers are changing lives. They’re changing lives every day.”

— Lisa Congdon

Kick off Teacher Appreciation Week with this inspiring message from illustrator and artist Lisa Congdon, delivered at the Summer 2025 Art Ed NOW Conference.

Lisa didn’t discover her creativity in an art studio. She found it in a classroom while teaching fourth grade. In this talk, she shares what she wishes she’d known as a beginning artist, the power of creativity to transform lives, and a heartfelt message of gratitude to art teachers everywhere.

A Month of Art Teacher Celebration

Check out the full calendar of activities happening inside the free AOEU Community — from daily appreciation posts to giveaways, live moments, and more. It’s all designed to uplift, inspire, and connect you with fellow art educators across the country.

Join the Celebration in the Community
Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaways calendar for May 2026, hosted by the AOE Community at community.theartofeducation.edu. The calendar runs Monday through Friday, May 4 through 29, and features daily giveaways including: Sculpey prize packs (May 5 and 6), an iridescent watercolor set and Pan Pastel set (May 7), Art Ed NOW passes and Lunch Bunch Livestream access (May 8, 15, 22, 28, and 29), Wacom Intuos Bluetooth tablets (May 11 and 13), a UNO art-themed card game (May 12), an Art Club $100 gift card (May 14), a Blick $115 gift card (May 18), a Royal and Langnickel ceramic tools classroom set (May 19), a marker set at Pop Up Studio (May 20), an Artsonia light box (May 21), an AOEU student swag pack (May 25), a Framed AOE swag box (May 26), an Oliver Jeffers signed book collection (May 27), and a grand finale on May 29 featuring a 1-year Flex and Pro membership, Lunch Bunch Livestream, and a $100 gift card. Raffles open May 4.

Whether you jump in for a quick post or join us every day — we’re so glad you’re here. You deserve to be celebrated.

Join the Celebration in the Community