Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

By. Meredith Biesinger

It’s officially the first week of May, also Teacher Appreciation Week

Educators are appreciated every day of the year, to be sure. Still, this week is always fun, as it’s nice to receive extra encouragement and thanks from students, parents, colleagues, and community members. 

Why do we appreciate teachers? For starters, teachers help educate our children; they are genuinely building up future members of society—that’s a big deal! 

A teacher is a role model, a caregiver, and an educator. Teachers spend 35-40 hours a week with their students; that’s a lot of time and influence! Their impact lasts a lifetime, and while teaching students how to count is important, teaching them what counts matters most. 

There are many ways to show our appreciation and gratitude for educators this week!

Here are just a few ideas!

1. Write a personalized thank you note. Teachers treasure these, and they mean more than many people realize. 

2. A gift card to a bookstore or restaurant. An excellent book to read over summer vacation or a favorite meal or treat is always appreciated!

3. Classroom supplies! There’s always a need for classroom supplies for the current year or the next school year. Teachers constantly purchase supplies out of pocket. Consider putting together a basket or gift bag with various necessary supplies. They’ll love it!

4. Send some flowers or a lovely plant for their desk at school or home. 

5. Many teachers have an Amazon wish list. You can always order something from there or give them an Amazon gift card so they can purchase what they need or…what they’d like!

While gifts are appreciated, genuine appreciation is the real gift at the end of the day. Teachers didn’t go into teaching for gifts; they teach because they want to make a difference in students’ lives and communities. 

Teachers, we appreciate you more than words can say. Thank you for all that you do!