Teacher Appreciation Week
by Darlene Robinett, Founding Director
May 01, 2008
“A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils.”
- Ever Garrison
“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”
- G. B. Stern
The National PTA has named the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week; in 2008, it is May 5 - 9. Teachers have a most influential job, that of educating and caring for our children over an extended period of time. Teachers serve as role models for students. They recognize each student as a unique individual, while leading and inspiring a whole group to experience the joy of learning. It is appropriate that parents and students express their gratitude to teachers for providing them opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understandings.
Many teachers have indicated that a simple, heartfelt “thank you” anytime throughout the year will bring a special glow to their day. Think what even the most simple expressions of appreciation you give to teachers this month will mean. You and your child may wish to do something on your own, or you may join with other parents through PPP, the PTA or some other group. Following are a few ideas that others have shared:
Individual:
1. Write a poem or a short description of a favorite activity the teacher provided you this year. You or your child may sincerely and truthfully tell what you like about the teacher.
2. Make a collage of photos, words, pictures, etc. to represent the year or what you appreciated.
3. Make a bookmark with a photo and a caption.
4. Make a notepad with your child’s artwork in one corner of a piece of paper, copy it on about 50 sheets of paper that are then glued together at the top to form a notepad.
5. You might send a written note or email message. You could copy the email message to a school administrator so that it may become a part of the teacher’s employee file.
Group:
1. Make a memory book with students completing sentence prompts, like “The best thing you did for me this year was..”
2. Provide a poster board for students (maybe parents also) to autograph and write a comment to the teacher.
3. Prepare a recipe book for the teacher, with each student bringing one recipe to be included.
4. Parents volunteer to provide a simple luncheon for teachers, decorate the teachers’ room or area in the cafeteria, and some parent volunteers to substitute in the classroom while the teacher is dining.
5. Make a Walk of Fame by laying out donated carpet or red butcher paper down the hall and decorate with stars with each teacher’s name. Have a greeting committee there when they go to lunch.
6. Especially for young children, you might take photos outside with children creating letters with their bodies to make one large photo that says “Thanks for a great year.”
Appreciation can be given in many ways, simply or more complex. Use your own imagination and consider working with other parents in making Teacher Appreciation Week a tribute to your partnership with the school in educating your children.
