Teacher Appreciation Week is all about celebrating that special teacher in our lives. It’s a time to “Give Back” to them. Teachers provide so much to their students -inspiration, motivation, love, and most importantly, their futures. If a child feels safe and happy in a classroom they are well on their way to gaining greater success.
Show your teachers that you want to treat them like a “V.I.T.” or a VERY IMPORTANT TEACHER. These men and women change the lives of young people every day. As we all know, their impact far exceeds the classroom.
I can look back on my elementary years with great fondness regarding my teachers. Especially my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hall. I cried when she got married and left on her honeymoon! She was my first introduction into the real world of public schooling. Mrs. Hall always made me feel special and cheered us on when we lost a tooth. I am very lucky today because I get to see my kindergarten teacher often still. She lives right down my street!
Who are the teachers who have impacted your life? What would you like to say to them today if you could? How do you want your own child to be treated in a classroom? These are questions you may ask yourself from time to time. A teacher’s influence is felt for a lifetime.
I also remember being very nervous to learn how to tell time and count money in 4th grade, but Mr. Barton was so kind and went slow for me. He paired me up with kids who could help tutor me. I gained confidence in myself and was soon learning how to tell time and count money like the rest of them! I am so thankful Mr. Barton was patient and knew that’s what I needed to succeed.
In 8th grade I had an awesome Spanish teacher named Mr. Scott. He was funny! He was engaging! He was encouraging! I felt like a V.I.P. in his class! I still remember a bit of Spanish today, which has come in handy with two sisters-in-law from Lanzarote!
What can we do to give back to our teachers? Many schools around the Weber County District decorate the doors of every teacher, office staff, aide, and custodian. These doors are creatively displayed for all to see.
There are also daily things the children can do for their teachers such as bring or make them a flower, give them a “high-five”, write them a card, tell them “thank-you”, bring them a favorite treat. The list goes on and on.
When my kids were younger, I use to bring take-out to their teachers and surprise them with lunch during Teacher Appreciation Week. They were thrilled!
Teachers everywhere need to feel validated and appreciated. They put in many hours of extra work every day!
I am thankful that my son’s 4th grade teacher has reached out to me and communicated, often, to tell me of my son’s progress. She wanted to let me know of his improvements and positive behaviors the other day. I was so grateful! She sees his potential!
My younger son’s 1st grade teacher knows I have a wiggly boy but she doesn’t complain or send him to sit in a corner. She gives him a classroom where he can thrive and be himself—while teaching respect and obedience.
One of my favorite things to do for the teachers is something I mentioned earlier: decorate their classroom doors. I have included a few ideas, that sprung to my imagination, over the years.
Take the time to do something special for the teachers in your life!
