Teacher Appreciation

Here are some of the ways Parents and PTAs can celebrate Teacher Appreciation:

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Thanks from parents

• Ask parents to e-mail teachers messages of gratitude.
• Ask parents to drop by for a before-school coffee reception for teachers.
• Ask parents to contribute classroom materials, such as poster board, stickers, high-quality chalk, stamps and ink pads, books, and other supplies, to their children's teachers.

School spirit

• Create a wall of fame for teachers; post quotes from students, parents, and principals on the special contributions of each teacher.
• Make banners recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week and hang them in the halls and common areas.
• Present each teacher with a certificate of appreciation at a schoolwide assembly attended by parents as well as students.

Expressions of gratitude

• Present teachers with small tokens of appreciation, such as bookmarks, key rings, and video rental certificates, each day of Teacher Appreciation Week.
• Make and distribute T-shirts or coffee mugs with slogans such as "World's Greatest Teacher" on them for teachers to wear or use during Teacher Appreciation Week.
• Ask each teacher what his or her favorite book is and buy a copy for or have a copy donated to the school library. Include in each book a bookplate with the name of the teacher who chose the book.
• Coordinate a car wash and invite the school staff and teachers to get their vehicles washed for free.
• Hire a massage therapist to give 15-minute head, neck, shoulder, hand, or foot massages to the teachers and staff in the teachers' lounge.

Recognition opportunities

• Nominate teachers for national awards and recognition.
• Donate money to an education-oriented charity in honor of the teachers at your school.
• Publish in the PTA or school newsletter "teacher triumphs" or stories of appreciation that relate the special accomplishments of individual teachers. Commit to publishing additional stories throughout the year.

Community involvement

• Have local businesses put up signs and banners that give thanks to teachers.
• Reward teachers with gift certificates or merchandise donated by local businesses.
• Distribute pin-on buttons that proclaim "Teacher Appreciation Week" or some other teacher-oriented slogan.
• Work with the local library to set up displays honoring teachers.
• Petition the local municipality to issue a special proclamation honoring teachers.
• Plant trees or flowers in public areas or on school grounds in honor of teachers.

Instead of buying teachers small trinkets to show your appreciation, take up a collection from parents in his/her honor and purchase something needed for the class. Put a sign on the purchase item that states "in appreciation of Mrs. Brown from 1st grade class 2008".

Most teachers will love this...it saves them from having to figure out yet another fundraising idea. Plus, what teacher really needs more apples, candy, pencils, etc.