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Top Ways To Celebrate National Teacher Day In Philadelphia

Teacher's Appreciation Day is May 5. The National Education Association began this tradition back in the early 1980s, though it was in the process of becoming a national event as far back as 1953 with the help of Eleanor Roosevelt. The day is for students to write thank you notes and honor their favorite teachers and those who have inspired them to be all that they are. Some places in the city even offer special discounts or free gifts for teachers.

Constitutional Walking Tours
Various locations
www.theconstitutional.com

You can get out in the fresh air and tour all of the history Philadelphia has to offer. The Constitutional Walking Tour takes visitors to over 20 different locations including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Tour takes approximately 75 minutes and is just less than two miles in length. Constitutional Walking Tours offers discounts for educators and groups. They also have special promotions for several Teacher Appreciation days, typically in the summer.

Related: Top Ways To Celebrate Women's History Month In Philadelphia

The Franklin Institute
222 North Twentieth St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215 448-1200
www.fi.edu

The Franklin Institute honors teachers all year long. You can get a one year membership free for certified K-12 teachers and instructors. You will get unlimited admission to the museum and Planetarium as well as discounts on special exhibits. There are four floors in the Franklin Institute, from the human body and the Giant Heart exhibit to Sir Isaac's Loft, which is dedicated to a combination of art and physics. Don't miss out on the photo opportunity from the "Bowling Ball of Doom." This exhibit displays the impact of friction and air resistance on energy as a bowling ball comes within inches of your face.

The National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6600
www.constitutioncenter.org

The National Constitution Center is full of learning opportunities and additional programs and workshops for educators throughout the year. The three main permanent exhibits include the film "Freedom Rising," which is a multi-media theater production, 42 life-sized bronze statues of the founding fathers in Signer's Hall, and the interactive display "We the People." Educators receive a 10 percent discount on the price of the membership level of their choice. There are five tiers and each has its own perks including free tickets for guests and a 10 percent discount on merchandise. Single day admission to the Constitution Center is $14 for adults and $8 for children.

Phillies Baseball
Citizens Bank Park
1 Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 463-1000
www.philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com

Teacher Appreciation Night with the Phillies happens on May 5, 2015 during the 7:05 game. If you like baseball, this maybe a fun night to enjoy America's past time. The Phillies will be honoring 10 area educators who have been selected from a group of teachers nominated by students and parents.  These lucky 10 will be noted as "All Stars." Any educator who comes to the game and shows their ID will be given a free Teacher Appreciation gift. Tickets in sections normally priced at $47 and under will be discounted by $8.

Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
(866)464-3566
www.sesameplace.com

Sesame Place is fun for both children and adults due to water rides, food and the nostalgia of beloved "Sesame Street" characters running about. The park offers discounts to teachers, group rates for taking a class and even a special free teacher's pass. Registration begins at the end of every season and can be redeemed in early May through the second week of June.  It must be redeemed this year by June 17. The pass holder gets unlimited free admission for the season and admittance to pass-member events. It can be upgraded to a typical season pass which offers a 30 percent discount for $48 dollars. Teachers need to present their teaching certificate and a photo ID and be from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York or Delaware to be eligible.

Related: Top Historic Landmarks In Philadelphia

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.

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