Teacher Appreciation Week is just around the corner (May 4 – 8)! While this year’s celebration may look different than most (due to the distance learning adventure we’ve all been on), there are still plenty of ways to honor our hardworking educators. Now more than ever, it’s quite apparent how important a teacher’s role is to our children’s development. Read on for some thought-starters on ways to show your gratitude while socially distanced.
1. Support a local business that is offering online gift cards and send a gift card that can be used now or when school returns in the fall.
2. Send some meaningful artwork, a handwritten note (email works well too!), or photo with some words from the student about what they love about their teacher. “What I Love About You Wednesday” works to send mid-week!
3. Go in on a special gift with another family or two. Teachers appreciate family or profile photo sessions as much as anyone and the talented photographers in your city could use the business now more than ever as well.
4. Create a video of you / your child saying thank you, sharing their (home)work, or exhibiting skills they’ve learned in class this year. Seeing the fruits of their labor can be the most gratifying gift of all, especially when coupled with a sincere thank you.
5. Some teachers are comfortable sharing their address with the class parent; others not so much. Depending on your scenario, think about delivering a special meal or dessert. If you don’t have access to a home address, ask your teacher if they are able to pick up from a business close to their home. If so, you can pay for it ahead of time as a sweet surprise and it will be ready and waiting.
6. Many teachers appreciate a drink or several after a long day, just like the rest of us. Order drinks to go or send ingredients their way with a link to a virtual cocktail class.
7. Show your appreciation through sugar… For a teacher with a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with sending baked goods or a favorite candy. Sugarwish is a great option if time is of the essence and allows your teacher to CYOT (choose your own treats).
8. You can support local makers and order a unique quarantine themed teacher gift via Etsy… This works if you have a home address to send to. As an alternative, you could also ship to the school if the main office is open and accepting deliveries.
9. Who doesn’t love a spa day? Whether a giftcard to a local spa, salon or barber or some items for “Teach” to pamper at home, you cannot go wrong with a spa / self-care-themed gift box.
10. Write a five star Yelp Review for your school and shout out your favorite teachers and staff by name. That is sure to make their day!
The list goes on, but whatever you do, take some time to show gratitude from a healthy distance to the teachers in your lives.
