Across most of the country, Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8, 2020) will look pretty different this year. There will be no staff luncheons, no cute gifts from students left on desks, and certainly no in-person celebrations. But in a time when teachers are still going above and beyond for their students, we believe they still deserve to be celebrated — with just a little extra creativity.
A smile goes a long way
It might seem like a small thing, but when your child shows up to class — even when it looks different — that makes a big difference to teachers right now.
"Just be there and smile," said one teacher in Michigan. "It means a lot when someone shows up."
Ask all the questions
After all, it's kind of what teachers do best, right? If they haven't been actively participating in class, consider encouraging your child to get a little more involved this week.
"Ask for help. We want to know we are needed," one teacher told Mom.com.
Give them a social media shoutout
The National Parent Teacher Association has free social media templates, including Facebook covers and post graphics, that you can use to give a favorite teacher in your life a social media shoutout.
Just say 'thanks'
Don't overlook the impact that a simple "thank you" can have in a teacher's life. Pen your own thanks in an email, expressing your gratitude for all that your kids' teachers have been doing, or have your kids craft letters, pictures, or notes of thanks that you can send virtually.
Send a gift card
Support a local business and your child's teacher by sending them a gift card for a restaurant or facility nearby. Even if they aren't open yet, many businesess are still selling gift cards that can be used when shutdown orders have been lifted.
Say 'thanks' with coffee
Personally, I'm always a fan of coffee gifts in any way, shape, or form, and as a busy parent with kids at home right now, I especially appreciate the ease of sending a Starbucks gift card. They even have specially made teacher appreciation gift cards online. All you do is plug in the teacher's email address. Done!
Send a care package
Search Etsy for many different care packages and gifts that you can send directly to a teacher in your life. How cute is this box that includes a coffee mug, personalized T-shirt, and bracelet?
Share your gratitude
Everyone is under a lot of stress right now, and one teacher in California told Mom.com that she makes sure to express her gratitude to every parent for working as hard as they do at home with their kids because she recognizes it isn't easy.
Flip that switch for a minute and consider recognizing that teachers are working under stressful conditions as well, and maybe send a quick note to recognize that you realize how hard they are working. You might be surprised by how little recognition teachers are getting in real life from parents — your gesture could go a long way.
Drive by their house
If your child's teacher gives the thumbs up, consider "doing a drive-by" with your child so they can wave and see their teacher for a fun yet socially distant celebration.
Send a video message
Kids love the camera, so take advantage of your little influencer by letting them direct their own video thank-you message for their teacher. Maybe this is a good time to finally let them try Tik-Tok!
Chalk it out
Have your kids create some sidewalk chalk art to send a message of appreciation to their teachers. Chalk some masterpieces on the sidewalk outside your home, snap a picture of their creation, and send it virtually.
Fulfill that Amazon wish list
I feel like many of us have a newfound appreciation for how much time, work, and energy goes into making even one lesson for kids, so we might now understand why teachers value a well-stocked classroom. If your child's teacher has an Amazon wish list, consider loading up gift cards to it so they will have some funds for the fall.
And, if they don't have a wish list yet, don't be afraid to ask them if they'd like to start one so you can contribute to it. My daughter's teacher didn't have one and was thrilled when I asked her to make one so we could all purchase items for her classroom from it.
Ask them how you can help
Stumped on ideas for how to show your child's teacher that you appreciate them? Just ask! Your child's teacher might have practical ways you can help — like gathering responses from fellow parents, reaching out to the community for projects, or fundraising.
I know that my own teacher husband was in desperate need of some technology to run his virtual math classes, so I can only imagine his joy if someone would be willing to help him with that. When in doubt, just ask!
Never forget what we've learned through this
Even if you're not in a position to do anything especially creative this year for your child's teacher, let's all remember this time in history when school does resume — and go forward in the future with a new appreciation for teachers and the valuable work they do in providing an education for our children.
We can see now, more than ever, how teaching is about so much more than simple instruction. Our teachers provide friendship, safety, fun, and inspiration for students. Without their physical presence, they are sorely missed.
