Teacher Appreciation Week: Expressing Gratitude to Teachers
As parents or caregivers, you likely know that Teacher Appreciation Week is this week. For many, you’re feeling overwhelmed by the whirlwind of daily life – racing through pickups, drop-offs, extracurriculars, work demands, and errands – but want to express your appreciation for your child’s teacher on the impact they have on their lives. Teachers’ dedication, passion, and commitment lay the foundation for children’s future success and growth, as they work with families to give children a supportive network. Especially in early childhood education (ECE), educators play a crucial role in nurturing curiosity, fostering creativity, reinforcing their sense of worth and confidence, and instilling a lifelong love for learning. Whether they are teaching new skills or soothing big emotions, ECE teachers are accompanying your child on the first steps on their life’s journey outside of a family setting.
There are meaningful, yet quick and easy ways families can express gratitude and celebrate teachers. From handwritten notes to handmade gifts, there are simple yet heartfelt gestures to honor the invaluable contributions teachers make in shaping young minds. Some families may worry that gift cards and expensive presents are the ‘right’ thing to give, but our experience is that educators value homemade items and are touched by the thoughtfulness they represent.
- Handwritten Notes of Appreciation: In this digital age, there is something special about a handwritten note that shows sincerity and thoughtfulness. Encourage your child to write a letter, draw a picture, or paint their handprint expressing their gratitude for their teacher’s support and feel welcome to write one of your own! Many teachers say they’ve kept every card or note they’ve ever received from a family or student.
For families enrolled at CHS, take this opportunity to use a K.I.T.T.Y Recognition card, located in the lobby. The program, which pays tribute to Catherine “Kitty” Hershey enables staff and families to highlight how staff members are demonstrating CHS values: Kind, Impactful, Teachable, Trustworthy, or Your Best Self. - Create Homemade Gifts and Crafts: Get creative and involve the whole family in crafting personalized gifts for your child’s teacher. Whether it’s a hand-painted mug, a batch of homemade cookies, or a DIY photo frame, handmade gifts carry a unique touch that shows you’ve given time and effort into showing your thanks.
- Wish Them a Happy Teacher Appreciation Week: Simply wishing your child’s teacher a “Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!” and sharing the ways in which they are positively impacting your child and family are just as valuable as any monetary gift. Words of affirmation can go a long way!
There are plenty of other ways, both big and small, to show teachers how special they are. These heartfelt acts can truly make a difference in showing our gratitude for the dedication and passion teachers bring to their profession every day.
On this Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s take this opportunity not only to celebrate the incredible individuals who shape our children’s lives, but also bring to mind all the things, big and small, they do day after day. Whether it’s through handwritten notes, homemade gifts, or acts of kindness, let’s express our gratitude and appreciation for the teachers who inspire and empower our children. After all, while parents and caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers, behind every successful child is also a teacher who believed in them!
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