Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week: Supporting Our Educators All Year Long

Key Takeaways:

During Teacher Appreciation Week, Administrators can use this time to celebrate educators, reflect on their impact, and recommit to supporting them
When we invest in our educators—both personally and professionally—we’re investing in the future of the children in our centers
Recognizing their impact, supporting their growth, and building supportive structure are the gifts that keep on giving

Once a year Teacher Appreciation Week rolls around. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible contributions of our educators. Here at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, we find ourselves marveling at the passion, creativity and dedication our teachers bring to their work every day. Everyone in our field knows that exceptional early childhood education (ECE) begins with exceptional teachers. That’s why this week is a golden opportunity for administrators to express gratitude in meaningful ways — it is not just about saying “thank you,” but also about ensuring our educators feel valued, supported, and empowered all year round.

Thoughtful Gestures Count

While grand gestures are wonderful, it’s often the small, thoughtful acts that touch people the most. Consider organizing several little surprises that show your educators how much they are valued. Encouraging families to share their appreciation to their child’s teacher can also go a long way. Here are some ideas:

Personalized Notes or Small Gifts: Write heartfelt thank you notes to each teacher, highlighting specific ways they’ve made a difference. Perhaps with a small, thoughtful gift attached such as water bottles or throw blankets. Acknowledging that their unique strengths and contributions can go a long way.
Team Breakfast or Lunch: Host a catered meal or bring in homemade treats to create a sense of community and celebration. Everyone loves a good excuse to gather and share food together!
Classroom Support: Give teachers a break by stepping into their classrooms for an hour or two. This not only gives them a moment to recharge but also shows your willingness to support them directly.

Recognize Their Impact

Teachers are at the heart of ECE. Their work lays the foundation for children’s lifelong learning and development. Take time this week to publicly recognize their impact, through sharing stories of success. Whether it’s a child mastering a new skill, a family expressing gratitude, or a classroom project that inspired creativity. Highlight these moments in newsletters, on social media, or during employee meetings. Recognition reminds teachers that their efforts matter and that their work is making a real difference.

Invest in their Growth

One of the most meaningful ways to show appreciation is by investing in educators’ professional development. When teachers feel supported in their growth, they’re better equipped to support the growth of the children in their care. Providing opportunities for growth not only enhances their skills but also demonstrates your belief in their potential. Consider:

Workshops and Conferences: Offer funding or time off for educators to attend events that align with their interests and career goals. At CHS, we host an annual summit, where local and state professionals serving children and families can come together to help shape the future of children, families, and communities.
Peer Learning Opportunities: Encourage collaboration by creating spaces for teachers to share best practices, brainstorm ideas, and learn from one another.
Ongoing Training: Bring in experts to lead sessions on topics like classroom management, child development, or innovative teaching strategies.

Foster a Culture of Self-Care

As administrators, we have a responsibility to prioritize the well-being of our educators. Teaching is a demanding profession, and burnout is a real concern. By fostering a culture that values self-care, we help our educators bring their best selves to the classroom. During Teacher Appreciation Week—and beyond—think about implementing initiatives that promote self-care:

Mental Health Resources: Provide access to counseling services, stress management workshops, or mindfulness programs.
Lifestyle Benefits: When possible, aim to provide a healthy work/life balance through programs such as child care tuition assistance, retirmement plans, employee discounts, and more.
Encourage Time to Recharge: Remind teachers that it’s okay to take a step back and recharge, whether that is a brief break in the day for personal care or offering paid personal time off and holidays.

Create a Supportive Environment

Appreciation goes beyond words—it’s about building a workplace where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered. Regularly check in with your teachers to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. When teachers feel they have a voice, they’re more likely to feel a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

Additionally, ensure that everyone has the resources they need to succeed. Whether it’s access to high-quality teaching materials, adequate classroom supplies, or technology that enhances learning, providing the right tools shows that you’re invested in their success. And in the success of the ECE center!

Celebrate All Year Round!

While Teacher Appreciation Week is a wonderful time to celebrate, our gratitude shouldn’t be confined to just a few days. Building healthy educators requires ongoing effort, however, teachers who feel appreciated and supported are more likely to stay in the profession, bring their best to the classroom, and inspire the next generation of learners.

Commit to making teacher appreciation a year-round practice. This could mean setting up monthly recognition programs, hosting regular team-building events, or simply making it a habit to say “thank you” more often.

As administrators, we have the privilege and responsibility to create an environment where teachers can not only survive but thrive. Let’s celebrate this week and then follow through all year!