It’s Teacher Appreciation Day!
We all want the teachers in our lives to feel genuinely appreciated, right? We know that they pour themselves into lesson planning, counseling, comforting, and educating our children for 6 hours each day. Teachers play a significant role in being part of the village that helps us raise our children and often become friends throughout the year.
My past teaching experience has given me some authority to speak on the matter, as I received many heartfelt tokens of gratitude over the years. None of them were related to gift size or cost, but rather, level of sincerity. Your words and actions speak much louder than some clever Pinterest jingle and gift card values really don’t matter.
Follow along to learn how you can show teachers gratitude not only today, but all year long!
Rule #1: Actions speak louder than words
We learned this one a loooong time ago, so it should come as no surprise. Teachers know when you understand and demonstrate the importance of education and value their work. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything or that you can’t discuss the concerns you may have. It does mean that you should give eye contact, shake hands, come to conferences (both parents, people, both parents), and take time to hear the teacher’s perspective before jumping in to defend your child. Teachers want to know that you are their partner and that you respect their hard work, experience, and expertise.
Rule #2: Use your words
Just as teachers encourage young children to use their words, adults should do it, too. At the end of the phone call, conference, or quick conversation, say thank you. Let them know you appreciate them taking the time to hear and care for the individual needs of your family. They have those conversations with 20 (or more!) other parents in addition to the actual job of teaching. This can be in the form of verbal appreciation, a note or email, to the principal, or even a hug and simple message from your child. I promise you that if you don’t see tears well up in their eyes, there will be a lump in their throat.
Rule #3: Give gifts from the heart
Everybody loves receiving gifts that have clearly come from a place of gratitude and love. Any token of appreciation, regardless of it’s monetary value, shows your thankfulness and gratitude. Whether it’s a homemade card, a $5 gift card to Starbucks, or a $75 gift card for a massage, it all means the same to the teacher. (No really, it does.) Here are some ideas for personalizing gifts for the teachers in your life. Whatever the gift, remember to let the gratitude of your heart shine through the gift and the teachers in your life will be left feeling rejuvenated and appreciated!
What are some of the creative ways you show the teachers in your life appreciation?
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