Teacher Appreciation Week is a few days away. As this week approaches, you are faced with the question of whether or not to share your gratitude. Do you buy a gift? Send a note? Organize an event?
When contemplating these questions, I ask you to remember, to really channel, one particular phrase repeated by parents across the globe. Remember the strong emotions attached to this utterance. Bask, if you will, in the solitude of your quiet home while the kids are at school. And the very next time you say, “I am so ready for school to start again,” you can recall that the job of a teacher generally comes with 30 of the little darlings at a time.
That being said, I would love to give you some tips (as a teacher myself), should you decide to bestow your gratitude upon an amazing educator in your life!
Be Sincere. Do you know those mom videos that tug at your heart strings? How the mere sight of a black and white mother/child moment can bring you to tears? Well, that happens to me with inspirational educational stories too. I weep at Mr. Holland’s Opus, I tear up when students have eureka moments, and heart felt cards or messages really hit home. I keep them in a folder and pull them out on particularly trying days to remind myself that I have a purpose and that I really can make a difference.
Be personal. My students know that I have an unhealthy addiction to java . So anything coffee related lets me know that they really put thought into their gift. My favorite teacher appreciation gift was a stepstool. I am 5 foot and 1/2 inches of pure teacher power, but even I have my limits. The top of the board is one of those. Two reasons this was my favorite gift: 1. It is hilarious . (You know you have a good rapport with your students when they can joke with you!). 2. The personal touch made my day. I had him autograph it so I would always remember!
Make it a Group Effort. In case you hadn’t noticed, teachers love collaboration. Anything compiled by a full class or group of parents is sure to be a hit. One idea is to decide on a theme basket and let everyone personally select an item to add.
Throw Back Thursday #TBT; Teacher Edition. As a teacher, one of my goals is to create lifelong learners. We as educators always hope that our lessons do not stop after the 50 minute bell. If you had an inspirational educator in your life, feel free to reach out to them, even years later.
Contribute to the Cause. Many teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies. My collection is eclectic to say the least. For example, I have a costume trunk with everything from Frida Kahlo to flight attendant (I’m admittedly outside of the norm…). My colleagues and I have also been known to have scoured every dollar store in the Miami Valley to seek a coveted item. If you aren’t sure what supplies are needed, a gift card to a craft store will cover just about everything.
A heartfelt thank you to so many incredible teachers I have had the pleasure of encountering. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week. This week, and throughout the year.
How will you celebrate your child’s teacher? Please share your ideas!
