Honoring educators: 5 ways to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S. is celebrated the first week of May, and Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Tuesday of that week, this year on May 7, 2024.

There are many ways to appreciate the wonderful teachers and educators that ensure our students are not only academically enriched, but also socially and emotionally. In my opinion as a mom with a school-age child, a week is not enough time to thank them for all of their hard and selfless work. And as a teacher myself, I love to see the intentional display of appreciation during this time of year.

Here are five ways to celebrate educators this Teacher Appreciation Week!

1. Write a heartfelt letter or card. There is no purer form of thank you than to write it down on paper. It may seem silly in this new age of technology, but teachers love to hear and see that they are indeed making a difference. Even though we think the gratitude is a given, teachers have days where they may question themselves, which is just human nature.

2. Get personal. My favorite gifts as a teacher have been the little things students remember about me. From something as simple as my favorite candy or drink to a gift card to either my favorite restaurant or to take my kids to a movie, the fact they go out of their way to get me something so personal means a lot. And as a parent, I always send a questionnaire to keep handy with my daughter’s teacher’s favorites.

3. Promote pampering and relaxation. “Teacher tired” is a whole new level of exhaustion especially in May as the school year winds down. Show your teacher you care about their well-being by giving them the opportunity to spend time pampering themselves. Whether you create a kit yourself with goodies such as candles, nail polish, etc. or get them a certificate for a massage or pedicure, these thoughtful acts go a long way for teachers. They spend all year putting themselves last, and summer is near for some well-deserved recharge time!

4. Shop their Amazon Wish List. It’s no secret many teachers supply their own materials and school supplies. Ask the educator in your life if they have an Amazon Wish List or other online list. Helping them get ahead for the following school year or any end-of-the-year activities can be a huge help! Furthermore, you can share their list on your social media accounts to reach more people willing to support a local classroom.

5. Caffeinate them. A simple pick me up with their favorite coffee or tea (or drink of choice) can help fuel a teacher during this busy time of year. There is no bigger smile than that of a teacher when a parent shows up at drop off or dismissal with a drink in hand!

In what other creative ways can you celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week this year? Let us know at Arizona PBS KIDS on Facebook.

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (6) and Logan (4). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.