Teacher appreciation week is almost here! It takes a special calling to be a teacher. They are called to wear many hats and be ready for anything.
Last time I bought a gift for my son’s teachers it was rather expensive and I filled a basket with goodies like chocolates, spa items, candles, and coffee mugs. Later a teacher friend of mine expressed that I bought all the things teachers DO NOT WANT. To ensure a home run gift this time, I took to social media to ask teachers what they REALLY want.
Top Things Teachers Requested:
1. Notes of Appreciation
These are awesome from both the student and from the parent! In my favorite comment a parent shared how she writes the principal or director every year to highlight the things she appreciates about her son’s teacher.
2. Gift Cards
Some of the most popular mentions were Target, Starbucks, Amazon, and Grocery Stores! Amazon gift cards were especially highlighted since teachers can use those for school supplies instead of many of them coming out of the teacher’s own pay check.
3. Well Behaved Students and Helpful Parents
While intangible, this shows how much our attitude, behavior, and interaction with the teachers and our kids really do impact the teachers so much. This one is about a different mindset. Trying to see the teacher as your partner in doing what is best for your child.
Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
Teachers have big hearts and are looking after more than just the minds of our children. They are helping them build friendships and learn to navigate life. They are their students cheerleaders when they need a little encouragement or a pep talk. They often use their own limited resources, sacrificing things for themselves to provide supplies, food and extra time for their students. If you have a child in school, make sure to find a way to say thank you to their hard working teacher.
If you don’t have children in school, there’s still ways to support the people helping to raise the next generation! Schools love volunteers who can come help out or read to the students. Most teachers have wish lists of items they want or need for their classroom. And the best thing we can do is pray. Pray for their endurance, their safety and their sanity! It’s a hard job, but one that gets a front row seat to some amazing accomplishments.