Kids of all ages bring their teachers new coffee mugs and boxes of chocolates to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.
As a substitute teacher/paraprofessional, I can tell you that teachers truly love those thoughtful gestures. But if you're looking for new ideas this year, here are five things teachers really want:
1. Letters from students
When both current and former students show their appreciation, it means the world. I keep a folder of letters and drawings that students have written to me that remind me why I am in this profession.
When I am having a tough day, I can pull those letters out and read them and remember that I am making a difference in so many lives. Those letters have been a life saver for me and I wouldn't trade them for all the coffee mugs in the world.
2. Letters from you
During Teacher Appreciation Week -- or any week of the year -- take time to send a letter of appreciation or an email that says thank you to your child's teacher.
Sometimes teachers just need to know that parents understand and appreciate everything we do. We want to hear the positive and not just the negative. Please reach out. We love to hear from you. Our administrators would love to hear something positive about us too!
3. Low-Maintenance Plant
Last year I gave my kids' teachers each a cute succulent plant that I picked up from the Sunset Herb and Garden Festival and replanted them in flower pots that I customized with 'Thanks for Helping Grow'. These are great for classrooms and are often well-received. Give them an easy-care plant such as a succulent in a personalized planter for a thoughtful gift that lasts!
4. Give a gift of classroom supplies
Teachers spend so much of their own money on classroom supplies and most are not reimbursed. That means the countless pencils, paper, dry-erase markers, erasers, glue, tissues, etc. we go through in our classrooms are often purchased with money out of our own pockets. We also spend a lot of our money on things to make learning more fun and make our classrooms beautiful for your kiddos to spend their day in. If you are going to spend the money -- consider some supplies or gift cards to office supply/dollar tree stores!
5. Coffee - lots and lots of coffee
Have you ever spent an entire week in a classroom of kids? Trust me. We need caffeine! Consider a gift card to a local coffee shop as a special treat to a deserving teacher.
Nicole Zawidski is a teacher and the publisher of Macaroni Kid Bethlehem, Pa.
