As a teacher and mom of two little ones, I know first hand what a teacher does in a day. We are busy planning lessons, teaching those lessons to a room full of little minds waiting to learn. We spend our money on supplies and classroom decor. We spend nights planning and grading. We volunteer our time at school events and even attend sports and activities to cheer on our students. We head committees and attend meetings to help our students. We work on professional development to become the best teachers we can be. We do this because we love teaching! We don’t ask for much… but when something sweet comes along we can’t help but feel extra rewarded.
Here are a few ways you can make your child’s teacher feel extra special without having to spend anything:
- Send in a little note thanking them or reminding them what an awesome job they are doing with your kiddo. A little positivity goes a long way and those little notes are really appreciated. Teachers like to place those notes in spots around their desk to remind them on those tough days that they are making a difference.
- After you send the teacher a note, send one to the principal or administration to let them know what a great job a certain teacher is doing. Sometimes it seems like the only time a teacher gets feedback is when it is negative. Sending a note to their administration could go a long way for a teacher going above and beyond.
- Nominate the teacher for an award. What an amazing honor it would be to be recognized for a job well done by your district or community. Some private companies even offer awards and grants to teachers who are going the extra mile for education.
- Volunteer to help with paperwork and activities. Teachers, especially those who teach early elementary, have things to cut out or put together. They can usually send the materials and directions home with your child so you don't have to be available during school hours. Have access to a copier? Maybe you can help make copies to help lighten their load.
- Volunteer to supervise a recess to give the teacher extra planning time or simply a break. Most people don’t realize that teachers aren’t able to have restroom breaks during the day aside from their lunch or planning period if they even have one! Sometimes those selfless teachers spend their breaks tutoring students or taking parent phone calls. Giving them a break, even for 15 minutes, would be a big help and much appreciated.
- Write them a recommendation letter. Share specific reasons why a teacher made a difference and why you would recommend them for a new job, promotion, grad school, or whatever they decide to venture to. A recommendation letter is a professional thank you note that goes a long way.
- Decorate their car with positive notes and balloons if you know what they drive. Show them, and everyone else in the lot, that they are appreciated.
Teachers are the selfless heroes who dedicate their lives to education. They are the profession that creates all other professions. Take a moment and send them some love and thank them for everything they do.
