Happy Teacher Appreciation Week

Write a personal note to your teacher and explain why you appreciate them. Be specific and use the following thought starters to help you create a meaningful message:

• How have they inspired you?

• What have they taught you that you have enjoyed the most?

• What have they done or said that has made you think about your future?

If your school allows you to give small gifts to your teacher and your budget allows, consider giving your teacher a gift card. An Amazon gift card is a great option because you can get an e-card in a range of denominations. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a big amount. It is the thought that counts the most.

Another way to show appreciation is to organize your class and create a poster thanking your teacher(s) for their efforts. Create the main message you’d like to share and then have your classmates sign their names and/or a short message around the main message. Then, hang it up in your teacher’s classroom or on the door to surprise them.

Teachers are busy and have a lot of responsibilities, particularly at the end of the school year, so one way to show your appreciation is to help them with something. You can do this by simply asking if there is something they need done in their classroom. For example, you could do some cleaning up in the classroom at the end of the day or over lunch, pass out papers, or prepare supplies for a lesson.

Many of the supplies teachers use to help you learn come from their own pocketbooks. For Teacher Appreciation Week, surprise them with some school supplies they need. Here are some examples of supplies that teachers need the most:

• Sanitizing wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Tissues

• Pencils

• Highlighters

• Chalk or whiteboard markers

• Whiteboard erasers

• Colored pens for grading

• Class prizes

If you have a Social Media account and with the permission of your parents, post something about a favorite STEM teacher and why they have inspired you. Again, be specific and call out what they do that you appreciate the most.

Many school districts, radio stations, and other outlets recognize teachers based on nominations from students and parents. Find an opportunity to nominate your teacher for an award. You never know, they might just win some exciting prizes because of you.