Kids of all ages bring their teachers new coffee mugs and boxes of chocolates to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.
As a fourth-grade teacher, I can tell you that we genuinely love those thoughtful gestures. But if you're looking for new ideas this year, here are five things teachers want:
1. Letters from students
When both current and former students show me their appreciation, it means the world to me. I keep a box of letters that students have written to me over the years, which remind me why I am in this profession.
When I'm having a tough day, I pull those letters out and read them, and I remember that I'm making a difference in so many lives. Those letters have been a lifesaver for me, and I wouldn't trade them for all the coffee mugs in the world.
Use this printable
2. Letters from you
Sometimes it feels like we only hear from parents when there is an issue. During Teacher Appreciation Week -- or any week of the year -- take a moment to send a letter of appreciation or an email saying thank you to your child's teacher.
Sometimes teachers need to know that parents understand and appreciate everything we do. We want to hear about the positive, not just the negative. Please reach out. We love to hear from you. Our administrators would love to hear something positive about us, too!
3. Nominate your child's teachers for awards
There is no greater honor than being nominated for an award. When parents take the time to recognize teachers for their efforts by submitting a nomination, it makes us feel like we're doing something right. It is a real boost -- even if we don't win!
4. Give a gift of classroom supplies
Teachers often spend a lot of their own money on classroom supplies, and most are not reimbursed for it. That means the countless pencils, paper, dry-erase markers, erasers, glue, tissues, and so on that we go through in our classrooms are often purchased with money from our own pockets. We also spend a lot of our money on things to make learning more fun and make our classrooms beautiful for your kiddos to spend their day in. If you're going to spend the money on us, we'd love some supplies!
5. Coffee - lots and lots of coffee
Have you ever spent an entire week in a classroom of kids? Trust me. We need caffeine.
Local coffee shops:
- Boston Coffeehouse – DeLand
- Boston Gourmet
- MG Coffee Brews & Bites
- Morning Blend Coffee House
- Palate Coffee Brewery
- The Corner Cafe
- The Lil Cafe in Lake Helen
- Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co.
Nicole Zawidski is a teacher and the publisher of Macaroni Kid Bethlehem, Pa.
Edited with local content from Kelsey Smith, publisher of Macaroni Kid Deltona-West Volusia
