Teacher Appreciation Week Starts May 5th!

Having had my own classroom, I feel I can let you in on a little secret about teachers: they are JUST like moms and dads. Teachers work hard and worry harder. Their hours are endless, their expectations are high, and all they really want is for their “kids” to grow, learn, and be happy. Just as a parent needs a “Thank you!” and a hug every now and then, so does a teacher. That is what Teacher Appreciation Week is about – sharing your gratitude for all the teachers in your child’s life.

Here are some EASY and THOUGHTFUL gift ideas for those special teachers:

1. Handwritten Notes and Cards: It’s old fashioned, it’s easy, and it’s cheap. No matter the age of the child, handwritten notes mean the most! I have a drawer filled with letters and cards from parents and students; I will never throw them away.

What to write: Share a special memory. Tell your favorite thing about your class and teacher. Explain why she is special to you. Share the nice things your child says about his teacher. These notes are heartfelt and remind a teacher why she does what she does. If you do anything, do this!

2. Favorite Things: One year when I was pregnant, I craved Cheetos. I obviously spoke of this frequently to my fourth graders, because that year I had a desk full of Cheetos. It. Was. AWESOME! What is your teacher’s favorite drink? Favorite salty/sweet/sugary snack? Does she have a favorite color or animal? Does she collect things or have a special classroom theme (owls, polka-dots, etc.)? Does she have a guilty pleasure (like People magazine)? Pick one and surprise her!

3. Unique Gifts: I’m a Cyclone Fan, and one year a family gave me an Iowa State door decoration to hang on game days. I love it and I think of them every time I hang it up. Just recently I was going through my jewelry and I found a charm bracelet. As soon as I grabbed it I knew exactly who gave it to me and the meaning behind every charm. It made me smile. Another student gave me sidewalk chalk and bubbles so I could play with my boys over the summer. A friend of mine received a frame of her last name and adjectives that describe her. Another teacher friend of mine has a last name that begins with an “S”; one year a student painted him a Superman shield and the parents framed it. Thoughtful. Meaningful. One-of-a-kind! If you have a creative idea, go for it! The care you put into any gift means more than the gift itself.

4. Food: The way to a teacher’s heart must be through her stomach. Having an option other than the four chicken nuggets from the cafeteria or last night’s chili can really turn a cloudy day sunny! Surprise your teacher with a box of donuts or a bag of bagels. Bring your teacher a sub for lunch. Or if the PTO is putting on a meal, bring in your famous monster cookie bars. Food is always a good way to go!

5. Gift Cards: Yes, gift cards are easy for you and great for teachers to use however they choose. Here are a few favorites of mine and my teacher friends:

Starbucks: Does your teacher clutch a cup of coffee every morning? If yes, then you know she’ll use this. As for me, I wasn’t a coffee drinker, so I usually re-gifted these to my mom (Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!); but you most likely can’t go wrong with the green mermaid.

Restaurants: Panera was great for me and other teachers in my building because it was close to our school. I also liked ones from Granite City or Hu Hot, for example, so I had an excuse for a date night. Again, food is always a great choice!

Target: Target is a great place to get anything; however, if you want to make sure your teacher buys something for herself or for the classroom, don’t get her this as it could easily go towards toilet paper and shampoo.

Barnes & Noble: I don’t know a teacher who doesn’t love books. Seriously!

iTunes or Amazon: If your teacher is a music lover, or a connoisseur of her Kindle in the summer, either of these would be a fabulous choice.

Movie Theater: Teachers don’t often get the chance to spoil themselves. A movie is a gift for her and a friend!

Mani/Pedi: This, in essence, says, “You work hard. Go relax and be spoiled.”

The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.  ~C.S. Lewis

Teaching is a challenging profession, but I don’t know a teacher who wouldn’t admit it’s all worth it. Please take some time to say “Thank You!” to ALL the teachers in yours and your children’s lives.

And to all my teacher friends, cheers to you and enjoy your week!!