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Public tributes through PTA
- Start a “teacher feature” on a school or library bulletin board. Each week or month, profile a different teacher. Include quotes by and about the teacher, as well as the teacher’s picture, background, hobbies, and philosophy of education. Alternatively, use the school or PTA newsletter to publish interviews with teachers and stories about teachers’ accomplishments. Consider having students conduct the interviews and write the stories. Publish stories throughout the year.
- Create a giant teacher thank-you card for display in the school community. Place markers by the card so community members can add their words of thanks.
- Present certificates of appreciation to all teachers, as well as to substitute teachers, aides, and other support staff.
Expressions of gratitude
- Ask teachers to fill out a survey regarding their favorite books, colors, flowers, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Use that knowledge when giving gifts. For example, present each teacher with his or her favorite book, signed by each of his or her students; give each teacher a small bouquet of his or her favorite flower.
- Hire a massage therapist to give 15-minute head, neck, shoulder, hand, or foot massages to the teachers and staff in the teachers’ lounge.
- Establish a fund to enable teachers to take part in lectures and workshops at local colleges or to attend special trainings or conferences.
School spirit
- Ask each teacher to complete the phrase, “If I had only one wish, it would be…” Provide large sheets of paper and have each class or small group of students illustrate its teacher’s wish. Display the paintings and drawings in the school.
- Have students vote for a Teacher Appreciation Week Teacher of the Week. Collect votes throughout Teacher Appreciation Week and present the honor at a schoolwide rally at week’s end.
Thanks from parents
- Tell parents to take time to write personal thank-you notes to their children’s teachers. Also encourage parents to say thanks the next time they talk to their children’s teachers, or to send a quick e-mail expressing their gratitude.
- Suggest that parents contribute classroom materials, such as paper, stickers, chalk, stamps, ink pads, or books, instead of giving knickknacks to their children’s teachers. Teachers also appreciate gift certificates that help them purchase the little extras needed in their classrooms.
- Have parents drop by for a simple coffee reception for teachers.
Straight from the students’ mouths
- Make sure teachers hear the value of their work from the students themselves. Have students share thank-you messages with teachers past and present through notes, artwork, videos, stories, or other means.
- Interview students about their teachers. Ask both serious and funny questions: “What do you appreciate most about your teacher?” “What that your teacher has said has really stuck with you?” “If your teacher were a cartoon character, who would he or she be? Why?” Share the answers at a teacher luncheon or other event.
- Organize student contests that will help kids get to know their teachers better. Post teachers’ baby pictures and have students guess whose pictures they are. Put together a list of interesting facts about your teachers and have students match the teacher to the fact. Award prizes to the students who get the most correct, and to the teachers who stump the most students.
Community support
- Have community centers, businesses, and families hang signs and banners that give thanks to teachers. Place additional thank-you messages on community and school marquees.
- Partner with local restaurants, coffee shops, and stores for a “free item for teachers” day during Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Petition the local municipality to issue a special proclamation honoring teachers and declaring the first full week in May PTA Teacher Appreciation Week.
Laurels and awards
- Nominate teachers for awards and other types of recognition at the state and national level.
- Send out a press release thanking the teachers at your school, highlighting why teachers are so important to our children, and advertising your Teacher Appreciation Week activities.
- For teacher gift ideas, visit the PTA Store!
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