Thank You and Appreciation Ideas

Top 5 ways to thank teachers

Think back. Waaaay back to your school days. There was at least one teacher who inspired you, who made you believe you could do anything. That teacher changed your life. Whether or not you knew it then, you know it now.

Teachers are still in the business of changing lives. By believing in their students. By encouraging them to work hard and dream big. And by helping kids discover that anything really is possible.

These are the teachers who make a real difference in our world. So maybe it's our turn to make a difference in theirs, by honoring their hard work and dedication. We'd like to suggest five ways you can do just that...

1. Write a letter of appreciation
Here are some tips to think about as you write that letter.

• Be specific—how did that teacher make a difference for you?
• Was there one thing about that teacher that stood out to you?
• Was there a specific incident—or something the teacher said—that particularly inspired you?
• Tell the teacher how the path you chose was influenced by what he or she taught you.

2. Start a classroom supply bank
In most classrooms, there are kids who can't afford the basic supplies for school, like crayons, notebooks, pencils, etc. Also, many classrooms have shortages of general supplies for learning activities. Teachers often spend their own money to provide supplies for those children and for their classrooms.

You can help by "adopting" a classroom and creating a "supply bank" of all the necessities for kids in that classroom. Recruit parents and/or community members to buy extras of each item on the supply list, providing a "bank" for the teacher to discreetly pull from for kids who don't have or can't afford the proper supplies. Another "bank" should contain general classroom supplies like construction paper, glitter glue, printer paper, music CDs for elementary classrooms, etc. Your "bank" will save money for the teacher, save kids from the embarrassment of not having supplies, and enrich classroom learning activities.

3. Get your hands dirty
Honor teachers with a gift they'll really dig: Plant a tree or a bed of flowers on school property to honor a special teacher (or teachers) at your school. (You'll need to get permission first.) Install a sign that recognizes the teacher(s) with an inscription like "Dedicated to those who plant the seeds that help our children grow..."

4. Give a little time...make a big difference
Contact your child's teacher and ask how you can help by volunteering in the classroom. Maybe a particular student is in need of extra one-on-one tutoring. Maybe you could assist with a reading group. Do you have specific skills or experiences that you might be able to share in the classroom? Offer to be a "guest" teacher for a short lesson. Do you work full-time? Consider taking a half-day vacation to be a classroom volunteer.

5. Tell on a teacher
Know a teacher who's doing an outstanding job and/or going the extra mile for students? Write a letter or "report card" telling the principal what a great job this teacher is doing. Give specifics on how hard he or she is working, and describe the results of that work. Send a copy of your letter to the teacher—and it never hurts to send these kudos to the district superintendent and school board as well.