My two kids are kind and inclusive friends, motivated learners, and cooperative students. I definitely can’t take all the credit for this as their mom—much of the credit goes to the many wonderful teachers they’ve had from daycare through elementary school. Much of the credit will continue to go to their teachers as they go to middle school, high school, and beyond.
If, like me, you have some wonderful teachers in your life to thank for their hard work, don’t forget that Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up. Read on for seven ways to show your gratitude, with varying levels of financial and time commitment based on what resources you have available to give.
When is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Eleanor Roosevelt is credited with creating National Teacher Appreciation Day in the 1950s; however, it didn’t become “official” until 1984. Since then, Teacher Appreciation Week has occurred during the first full week of May each year. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10, 2024.
Ways to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week
Keep it Simple; Everyone Loves a Gift Card
You can never go wrong with a gift card to one of the staples, like Target or Amazon, where the recipient can basically get anything they want. For busy teachers, a gift card for grocery delivery or restaurant delivery services would probably be very appreciated as well. A gift card is always a safe, foolproof gift and easy to give digitally if you don’t have time to deliver something in person.
Personally Drop Off a Gift
Teachers appreciate the thought, effort, and energy of giving a gift. It can be tricky to figure out the perfect gift for your child’s teacher, but I think the most important part, and what’s remembered, is the thought that went into it. Check out The Everymom’s ideas for a teacher gift that can be practical, fun, or sentimental like a personalized stamp, laptop sleeve, or snack box.
Coordinate a Class Gift
If you have the time to do so, could you take the lead on organizing a gift from the entire class? Participants can give as much or as little as they are willing and able. With multiple people pitching in, you will likely be able to get something memorable, like a full gift basket or generous gift card. The school may also already have opportunities to contribute toward a teacher appreciation event like a catered lunch.
Have Your Child Make a Card or Craft
Help your student make a handmade card or a craft to bring along to school. It doesn’t have to be complicated—it can just be a piece of their artwork or a simple homemade card to keep at their classroom desk—or this printable to capture why your child thinks their teacher is great.
Volunteer Your Time
Reach out to the teacher and ask if there is anything you can do to help out around the classroom—there could be an upcoming field trip that needs more chaperones. Maybe he or she could use some help organizing the classroom, reading to students, or finishing up tasks for a big class project. Of course, check your school district’s rules and policies around volunteers first.
Donate Supplies
Most classrooms could always use some extra supplies. First, make sure to reach out to the teacher to make sure you are donating or buying items they actually need and will use. Some ideas include books for the class library, paper tower towels and tissues, art supplies, and nonperishable snacks. My youngest child’s daycare center always has requests for plastic grocery bags and extra clothes for accidents and spills.
Just Reach Out
If you don’t have time to coordinate anything beyond just sending a simple “thank you” email or text, that’s OK. Just a little acknowledgment with some of the specifics of how they have positively impacted your child during the school year will go a long way. Acknowledging your child’s teacher during the week doesn’t have to be something to stress about.
Additionally, there are ways to help out your child’s teacher all year long by being understanding, proactive, communicative, and consistent with routines. I always try to practice these in our household. For this week, though, if you are able, make an extra acknowledgment for their tireless work. I’m sure they will appreciate it! I know I appreciate the effort they put into helping make my children confident students and kind classmates.
