Show Teacher Appreciation with These 20 Ideas

While it is always important to recognize how much teachers matter, this year is especially significant. Many teachers have worked around the clock to move their teaching online and to support their students while schools are closed. Social distancing can make it tough to show teachers how much you care, but there are still plenty of options. From e-cards and thank you videos to classroom goodies or decorations, here are 20 ways you can show some teacher appreciation at a distance.

1. Have your child write a letter to their teacher and send it in the mail. This can be an especially heartfelt gesture if the teacher taught your child how to write this year.
2. Put together a box of teacher goodies, which can include a mix of treats and classroom supplies. (Note: it’s always a good idea to check with the teacher before sending any physical gifts or food.)
3. Record a video of your child saying thank you to their teacher and email it to them.
4. Send your teacher a gift card for classroom supplies.
5. Make a poster for your teacher with thank you notes on it and mail it or take a picture to share.
6. Ask your teacher what their favorite treat is and mail or drop it off for them to enjoy.
7. If you can coordinate it, put together a classroom thank you book with notes from every student who can participate.
8. During Teacher Appreciation Week, use the social media hashtag #ThankATeacher from the National PTA and share how educators have brightened your or your child’s life.
9. Interview your child about why they’re thankful for their teacher and send the answers to their teacher.
10. Send an e-card.
11. Gift them a small plant with a sweet message sharing how much your child has grown in class this year.
12. Write an email to your child’s teacher expressing your gratitude for all they’ve done this year, especially while adapting their classes for online instruction.
13. Plant a tree in honor of your teacher through the Arbor Day Foundation or The Trees Remember.
14. Coordinate with other parents on a bigger gift for your teacher.
15. Start an online fundraiser to raise money for classroom supplies your teacher will need for next year.
16. Have your child write a letter or poem for their teacher on what they’ve learned this year and why they’re thankful to be in their teacher’s class.
17. Wear red on National Teacher Day (May 6th, 2020) and share that you’re wearing red to recognize teachers on social media using the hashtag #RedForED.
18. Donate books for your teacher’s classroom library next year.
19. Teacher appreciation should recognize school staff and administration, too. Reach out to your school’s principal, secretaries, and support staff to let them know how much you care.
20. Have your child draw a picture for their teacher and either send it in the mail or take a picture so you can email it.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services