5 Ways To Thank A Teacher During Teacher Appreciation Week

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” -Henry Adams

Teachers are the unsung heroes of our society. After parents, they are often the most influential adults in a child’s life. The lessons taught by our best teachers stay with us throughout our lives, but often it’s the passion that teachers have for their subject matter that makes the biggest impact, inspiring us in the moment, and for years to come.

While we absolutely should appreciate teachers every day, the first full week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week here in the U.S., and if ever you were going to show your gratitude to your teachers, this is the week to do it.

Here are 5 simple suggestions that students or parents of any age can do to tell teachers how much they appreciate them during Teacher Appreciation Week.

1. Write a heartfelt card or note.

Teachers, as with anyone else, just want to know that their hard work is acknowledged, and nothing says gratitude like a simple thank you note. Giving them a physical card with a handwritten note is always best, but even a heartfelt email letting them know that you’ve noticed the hard work they do will put a smile on their face.

2. Tell the principal how much you appreciate your favorite teachers and why.

Teachers get evaluated regularly, and getting positive feedback from parents and students may have a bigger impact than you imagine. It only takes a moment to send the principal a quick email, but that quick email can have significant results.

3. Donate to their classroom.

Most teachers have a list of items that parents can donate to the classroom, which can include anything from boxes of tissues to pencils and paper to cold, hard cash for field trips. When these items aren’t supplied by parents, teachers often end up purchasing them from their own personal funds.

4. Give them gift cards.

Teachers like to drink coffee, see movies, and go out for nice dinners just like anybody else. Help your teacher treat themselves by giving a gift card to a place you know they enjoy.

5. Be a good student. Be a good person. Pay it forward.

Most teachers chose their profession because they have a passion for their subject and want to inspire a similar passion in their students. The very best way you can thank your teachers is by being a good student in their classroom, doing something wonderful with your education, and giving back to the world in some way. If you can contact your old teachers as an adult and let them know how much of an impact they had on your life, all the better!

Showing gratitude doesn’t have to be big or expensive, it just has to come from the heart. Take a moment to show your teachers how much you appreciate them this week!