Sometimes it's easy to forget that schools are part of our larger community. Through their work, teachers provide an immeasurable service to the communities in which they work. We've suggested some ways that communities can recognize the hard work and dedication of their teachers.
DECLARE TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
Designate a day when local merchants and restaurateurs offer discounts, twofers, etc. to teachers.
THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE GIFT
A local newspaper could provide a column where the teachers of the community are honored each week with a profile and photograph.
SINGING THEIR PRAISES
Local radio stations can dedicate a song to all the teachers in the community and play it just as school is beginning so that the WHOLE school can listen!
GIVE THE GIFT OF TOOLS
Ask the community to donate gift certificates to local discount stores for pencils, poster boards, and other school-related products.
ADVERTISE IT
Place "Thank You Ads" for Teacher Appreciation Week on placemats, food labels, and in storefronts.
MORE IDEAS
The most wonderful "acknowledgement" I ever received was an entire issue of the school newspaper dedicated to me! What a nice gesture and what a way to honor a teacher within the ranks. The kids loved doing it and I was so pleased. It is inexpensive and could be done every couple of months for some staff member.
-- Judy Haller
The most touching celebration of one's teaching is a handwritten note expressing what that teacher meant to an individual. Over the years, I've received many wonderful tributes, which have in a way reshaped my teaching. Some of my most treasured classroom mementos are from parents who have written explaining how I turned around their child, how my unwavering faith in and efforts for their child have enriched the family by helping the child succeed.
-- Catherine Harper, Elementary Teacher
Create A+ brown lunch bags stuffed with goodies such as a miniature gavel: "Your leadership has been invaluable"; a watch: "Thanks for the time you spend making it happen for children"; a right angle: "Your angle on this project was awesome," etc. The kids can come up with the sayings. The teachers themselves wanted to make some for their schools so we created baskets of trinkets for them to develop their own appreciation notes. We made yardstick pins that had up to 38 inches and developed a "Going the extra yard club." We also recycled the small Cheer detergent boxes from the laundromat and stuffed them with candy, etc. and attached a card, "Give yourself a cheer for a job well done."
-- Anne Greiner, Special Education Teacher
At the beginning of the week, I put out an all-call announcement from the administration to all students. The intent of the announcement is to explain to students the week of celebration and to ask each student to take a moment during the course of the week and drop off a letter of appreciation in the main office for the teacher of their choice. On Friday morning letters are gathered and sorted into staff mailboxes. The response from staff goes far beyond food, buttons, and apples.
-- Joe Erardi, Superintendent, former HS Physical Education Teacher & Coach
