A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Adams

In our local school district, we are lucky to have so many amazing educators and school staff members who are extremely dedicated to our children’s learning and development.  In light of the pandemic, this year has likely been the most challenging of their career as they have adapted to all new platforms and teaching environments.  In addition to all the changes, less direct contact with other staff and students, there hasn’t been many opportunities for parents to volunteer in the school, leading to less opportunities to offer help and appreciation. This is why it is essential to let our teachers as well as school staff members know how much they are appreciated for all of their hard work this year.

Teacher Appreciation Week is approaching, this May 3rd – 7th, and whether your students are doing virtual or in-person learning, we want to make sure to make our teachers feel valued.  In 1953, Elinor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to create a day to celebrate educators and then in 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association helped designate the first full week of May to show gratitude to our teachers and school staff. As a school community we can provide our school staff with a boost of gratitude to help energize them until the end of the school year.  Gifts and gestures can come in lots of forms, but the emphasis should be on our gratitude for our educator’s commitment to our students.  Some school PTSA’s have organized Teachers Appreciation Week activities where parents and students can contribute to a class project of gift, but those programs may not be happening during this unusual year, so here are some teacher appreciation ideas any teacher would be sure to love:

1)    Send a Kudo or Padlet Message Board.  These are virtual message board that can be shared with a group and each person can add their own photo, video or sentiment.  This would be great to send out to a whole class or group and have everyone add their own message.  There are free and paid versions depending on how many messages you include but receiving a message board full of recognition and thanks will likely lift a teacher’s spirits. Handwritten cards and letters also have a big impact especially when they contain specific details or compliments.  (Kudoboard.com, padlet.com)

2)    Gratitude Video - While this might require a little tech ability, many older students are learning video skills that would be fun to showcase in a video for their teacher.  It could be done independently or as a class.  They could all talk about one favorite learning moment or class memory, lip synch a song, hold up signs or just say “thank you”.  When a group of these are put together it has a grand impact. 

3)    E-mail a Virtual Gift Card - Many businesses offer online gift cards that can be send via e-mail.  These include Amazon, Starbucks, Etsy, even Scholastic Books.  Amazon even has an option that you can put at photo on the virtual gift card.  We have given these virtual photo cards to teachers with photos of the student holding a personalized “Thank You” sign.  This extra effort helps the gesture feel more authentically from the student.  Gift cards can be sent on behalf of one family or as a groups or entire class.  

4)    Gift Local - Consider gifting an item or gift certificate from a local, small business. In my community some ideas would be passes to Cougar Mountain Zoo, a gift certificate for a store in Gilman Village, Bohem’s Chocolate’s, Squawk Mountain Nursery, or Agave Cantina.  This is easier is you know something about the staff members interests or hobbies but keeping the purchase local helps Issaquah’s small businesses during the challenging times. 

5)    Homemade Artwork or Craft – Something made by your student or family is a great way to show appreciation, especially for those are artistic or like to craft.  If you do give a handmade gift, think about including a message describing the item you made and possibly even how/why it was made.   Gifts of homemade food might not be as appreciated this year due to Covid precautions, but this is an opportunity to be creative or for your student and to really personalize the teacher.  If you are still in a virtual setting, consider taking a photo of your student with the artwork or sign to email the teacher.  

6)    Pinterest Ideas – The site Pinterest is full of adorable Teacher Appreciation ideas, most of which are small items with a fun tag that connects the item to the teacher with a witty saying.  For example, one tags says, “You make us Pop with appreciation” and it attached to a container of popcorn.  Another says, “Thanks a Latte” attached to a coffee gift card.  These fun plays on works allows something small (but useful) to be given with meaning and in a cheerful way.  If you really want to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, consider giving a small gift several days out of the week.  

Free Pintable from Happy Go Lucky Blog.

7)    Themed Basket – Gift baskets full of items that connect to a theme are a lot of fun to put together and make great teacher appreciation gifts, especially from a class.  Collect a group of items that are all connected in some way themes and are especially fun when you know the types of things your teacher enjoys.  For example, someone who gardens might appreciate a basket with garden gloves, a hose nozzle, garden hat and a gift certificate to a local nursery.   A themed basket could also be built around a favorite activity (family movie or game night, beach trip, or art supplies) or even a color theme.  If you wanted to do your own, the items could be less expensive like office supplies or fun snacks.  

However you plan to offer gratitude to you student’s teacher and school staff, remember that a gesture sincerity goes a long way.  Even better if you can find a way to be personal and specific to their relationship with your student.  It will most likely mean more and teach your student important lessons about gratitude as well.  Also, don’t forget to remember specialists like Physical Education teacher, Librarian, Music teachers, bus drivers or office staff.  A small note or token gift goes a long way to brighten their day!

Highlighter Card from Print Pretty Cards.

 Free Printable Card from Print Pretty Cards

More Free Printable Ideas:

Quanjewlery.com - Cute gift themed printable

Million Dollar Mama - Inexpensive Teacher Gifts

My Sister’s Suitcase - 10 Gifts Teachers Love

Lolly Lane - Free Printables for Teachers Gifts

Mandy’s Party Printables - Teacher Appreciation Printables