Teacher Appreciation Week

“Every young mind needs a spark to light the way to a brighter future through learning-and teachers are that spark,” states Anna Weselak, PTA National President.

As the largest volunteer child advocacy association in the nation, National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) reminds our country of its obligations to children and provides parents and families with a powerful voice to speak on behalf of every child while providing the best tools for parents to help their children be successful students.

National PTA does not act alone. Working in cooperation with many national education, health, safety, and child advocacy groups and federal agencies, National PTA collaborates on projects that benefit children and that bring valuable resources to its members.

In 1984, National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week-the first full week in May-to honor the dedicated men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children.

Ideas:
Thanks from Parents:
-Ask parents to e-mail teachers messages of gratitude.
-Ask parents to drop by for a before-school coffee reception for teachers.
-Ask parents to contribute classroom materials, such as poster board, stickers, high
quality chalk, stamps and ink pads, books, and other supplies, to their
children’s teachers.

School Spirit:
-Create a wall of fame for teachers; post quotes from students, parents, and
principals on the special contributions of each teacher.
-Make banners recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week and hang them in the halls and
common areas.
-Present each teacher with a certificate of appreciation at a school-wide assembly
attended by parents as well as students.

Expressions of Gratitude:
-Present teachers with small tokens of appreciation, such as bookmarks, key rings,
and video rental certificates, each day of Teacher Appreciation Week.
-Make and distribute T-shirts or coffee mugs with slogans such as “World’s Greatest
Teacher” on them for teachers to wear or use during Teacher Appreciation Week.
-Ask each teacher what his or her favorite book is and buy a copy for or have a copy
donated to the school library. Include in each book a bookplate with the name of
the teacher who chose the book.
-Coordinate a car wash and invite the school staff and teachers to get their
vehicles washed for free.
-Hire a massage therapist to give 15-minute head, neck, shoulder, hand, or foot
massages to the teachers and staff in the teachers’ lounge.

Recognition Opportunities:
-Nominate teachers for national awards and recognition.
-Donate money to an education-oriented charity in honor of the teachers at your
school.
-Publish in the PTA or school newsletter “teacher triumphs” or stories of
appreciation that relate the special accomplishments of individual teachers.
Commit to publishing additional stories throughout the year.

Community Involvement:
-Have local businesses put up signs and banners that give thanks to teachers.
-Reward teachers with gift certificates or merchandise donated by local businesses.
-Distribute pin-on buttons that proclaim “Teacher Appreciation Week” or some other
teacher-oriented slogan.
-Work with the local library to set up displays honoring teachers.
-Petition the local municipality to issue a special proclamation honoring teachers.
-Plant trees or flowers in public areas or on school grounds in honor of teachers.