Showing Appreciation

Teachers are inspiring us more and more every day.

There’s a good chance your children aren’t returning to the traditional classroom this semester – and that’s okay. Virtual learning is new for many of us, so we should do our part to ensure we give our children a safe space to explore and grow in this new environment.

How do we do our part? That’s a great question. It’s our job to show up with twice the enthusiasm, a healthy amount of optimism, and a dedicated space for our youngsters to learn. The rest will work itself out. In case it’s hard for you to think of ways to say “thank you”, ThoughtCo created a short list to help you out.

  • Give teachers an apple. Yes, this is cliché, but they will appreciate this simple gesture because you took the time to do it.
  • Tell them that you appreciate them. Words are powerful. Let your teachers know what you love about them and their class.
  • Give them a gift card. Find out what their favorite restaurant or place to shop is and get them a gift card to indulge. 
  • Bring them their favorite candy/soda. Pay attention to what they drink/snack on in class and keep them supplied periodically.
  • Send them an email. It does not have to be a novel, but tell them how much you appreciate them or let them know what kind of impact they have made on your life.
  • Send them flowers. This is a terrific way to say thank you to a female teacher. Flowers will always put a smile on a teacher’s face.
  • Do something memorable for their birthday whether it is giving them a cake, having the class sing happy birthday or getting them a special gift. Birthdays are momentous days that should be recognized.
  • Write them a note. Keep it simple and let them know just how much they mean to you.
  • Stay late and help them get organized for the next day. Teachers have plenty to do after students leave for the day. Offer to help straighten their room, empty trash, make copies or run errands.
  • Mow their lawn. Tell them that you would like to do something special to show your appreciation and ask them if it would be OK to come over and mow their lawn.
  • Give them tickets. Teachers love to get out and have a good time. Buy them tickets to see the newest movie, their favorite sports team or a ballet/opera/musical.
  • Donate money toward their classroom. Teachers spend a lot of their own money on classroom supplies. Give them some cash to help ease this burden.
  • Volunteer to cover a duty. This is a fabulous way for parents to say thank you. In general, teachers are not excited about covering duties, such as acting as the scorekeeper at a game or chaperoning a prom, so they will be extra excited when you do. Ask the principal first if it is OK.
  • Buy them lunch. Teachers get tired of eating cafeteria food or bringing their lunch. Surprise them with a pizza or something from their favorite restaurant.
  • Be an exemplary student. Sometimes this is the best way to say thank you. Teachers appreciate students who are never in trouble, enjoy being at school and are excited to learn.
  • Buy them a Christmas present. It does not have to be elegant or expensive. Your teacher will appreciate anything that you get her.
  • Volunteer. Most teachers will appreciate the extra help. Let them know that you are willing to help in any area that you may be needed. Elementary school teachers will especially appreciate this help.
  • Bring donuts. What teacher does not love donuts? This will provide an excellent, tasty start to any teacher’s day.
  • Contact them when they are sick. Teachers get sick too. Check on them via email or social media or text and let them know you hope they get well soon. Ask them if they need anything. They will appreciate that you took the time to check on them.
  • Post on social media. If your child’s teacher has a Facebook account, for example, let him know how much you appreciate all the things he does.
  • Be a supportive parent. Knowing that she has tremendous parental support makes a teacher’s job much easier. Backing a teacher’s decisions is an excellent way to show your appreciation.
  • Tell the principal how much you appreciate your teacher. The principal evaluates teachers regularly, and this type of positive feedback can factor into evaluations.
  • Give them a hug or shake their hand. Sometimes this simple gesture can speak volumes in showing your appreciation. Be cautious when giving a hug that it is appropriate.
  • Send them a graduation invite. Let your teachers know when you have reached a milestone such as graduating high school and/or college. They played a role in getting you there, and including them in this celebration will let them know just how much they meant to you.
  • Do something with your life. Nothing says thank you like being a success. Teachers want the best for every student that they teach. When you are successful, they are successful because they know they had some influence on you for at least nine months of your life.

Know a teacher who deserves a huge “thank you”? Create a StorySpot to show your appreciation! Use coupon code FTPVphPG for $19.99 off and package. Combine photos, videos, audio, and illustrated stories to help tell your favorite teacher “you are appreciated.” Stumped on what to include? Check out our favorite teacher appreciation StorySpot here.

How else can you keep spirits high during this unique time? Read the following blog posts and sink into a feel-good mood.

  • Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA) senior Lydia England used her online education to become an Academic All-State! Read more here.
  • Teachers used to be in charge of the classroom setting. Now – it’s your turn. Where do you put the read-aloud books? Where do the extra supplies go? How can you ensure your child is on task and attentive? USA Today put together some tips to help you out. Check out their blog for extra resources.
  • A small gesture encouraged a principal to write a book, in hopes to address the elephant in the room during COVID social distancing. Check out “No hugs. No bugs” on Amazon.