Teacher Appreciation Week: Genuine Appreciation Ideas!

Posted on April 29th, 2024 by Alicia Alexander

Teacher Appreciation: The Importance of Expressing Gratitude

Teacher Appreciation Week is the first week of May, and we’re here to help everyone yell, “THANK YOU” from the rooftops! (But get down quickly before a teacher catches you.)

There are more than 4 million public and private school teachers in the U.S. Of course, that number multiplies when you expand into higher education and into the world of training, development, mentors, and other roles. It’s generally agreed upon that teachers are amazing people who are underpaid and underappreciated. YOU can make a difference in how teachers feel – this week and year-round.

According to Zippia.com and WeAreTeachers.com:

The average teacher impacts more than 3,000 students throughout their career.
83% of students credit teachers with improving their confidence and self-esteem.
87% of people wish they had expressed more appreciation to their teachers.
88% of individuals acknowledge that teachers played a significant positive role in their lives.
79% of students have been encouraged to follow their dreams by a teacher.
54% of students have had a teacher who helped them through difficult times.
75% of students view teachers as mentors and role models.

“The job of an educator is to teach students to see vitality in themselves.”
– Joseph Campbell

How to Easily Show Teacher Appreciation

Expressing gratitude to teachers is essential, as they play a pivotal role in shaping our lives and futures. Here are some heartfelt ways to thank teachers year-round:

A Sincere Thank You Note: Write a heartfelt thank-you note expressing your appreciation for their dedication, guidance, and impact. Whether it’s a handwritten letter or an email, your words will mean a lot to them.

Personalized Gifts: Consider giving a small gift that reflects a teacher’s interests, or something related to their subject. It could be a book, a grocery gift certificate, or even thoughtful classroom supplies.

Public Recognition: During Teacher Appreciation Week or other school events, publicly acknowledge teachers’ hard work. Share positive stories about teachers in your organization, make a donation to a local school, or find other ways to share your gratitude for this important profession.

Volunteer Your Time: Offer to help in a classroom, assisting with tasks, organizing materials, or assisting during events. Teachers often appreciate extra hands.

Remember Special Occasions: Celebrate teachers’ birthdays, Teacher Appreciation Week, or other milestones. A small token of appreciation on these occasions goes a long way.

Spread Positivity: Share positive stories about how teachers are making a difference in your organization or community. Word of mouth can create a ripple effect of appreciation.

Additional Ways to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers of Tomorrow offers some wonderful ideas for how to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Here are some of our favorite ideas from their list:

Organize a Lunch for Teachers
Gift Cards (Gift Certificates)
Refill Classroom Supplies
Create a Thank You Book
Put Together a Gift Box
Create a Staff Spotify List
Plant Trees in a Teacher’s Name
Present Certificates of Appreciation for Teachers

Whether you lead a district, partner with schools, or simply respect the world of teachers, there are many ways to show appreciation to these people who shape the future of our world. A simple gesture, like writing a personalized note, giving or making a small gift, can go a long way in showing your gratitude. If you were in a classroom all day, what would make YOU happy?