Across most of the country, Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8, 2020) will look pretty different this year. There will be no staff luncheons, no cute gifts from students left on desks, and certainly no in-person celebrations. But in a time when teachers are still going above and beyond for their students, we believe they still deserve to be celebrated — with just a little extra creativity.
A smile goes a long way
Give them a social media shoutout
The National Parent Teacher Association has free social media templates, including Facebook covers and post graphics, that you can use to give a favorite teacher in your life a social media shoutout.
Just say 'thanks'
Don't overlook the impact that a simple "thank you" can have in a teacher's life. Pen your own thanks in an email, expressing your gratitude for all that your kids' teachers have been doing, or have your kids craft letters, pictures, or notes of thanks that you can send virtually.
Send a gift card
Support a local business and your child's teacher by sending them a gift card for a restaurant or facility nearby. Even if they aren't open yet, many businesess are still selling gift cards that can be used when shutdown orders have been lifted.
Say 'thanks' with coffee
Personally, I'm always a fan of coffee gifts in any way, shape, or form, and as a busy parent with kids at home right now, I especially appreciate the ease of sending a Starbucks gift card. They even have specially made teacher appreciation gift cards online. All you do is plug in the teacher's email address. Done!
Send a care package
Search Etsy for many different care packages and gifts that you can send directly to a teacher in your life. How cute is this box that includes a coffee mug, personalized T-shirt, and bracelet?
Share your gratitude
Everyone is under a lot of stress right now, and one teacher in California told Mom.com that she makes sure to express her gratitude to every parent for working as hard as they do at home with their kids because she recognizes it isn't easy.
Flip that switch for a minute and consider recognizing that teachers are working under stressful conditions as well, and maybe send a quick note to recognize that you realize how hard they are working. You might be surprised by how little recognition teachers are getting in real life from parents — your gesture could go a long way.
