Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9, 2025, but administrators know it’s important to celebrate teachers every week. Teachers are dependable, knowledgeable, and consistent day in and day out. Their quest for sharing a love of learning knows no limits. Teacher appreciation isn’t about receiving a thoughtful gift, though. It’s about recognizing teachers for their extraordinary work.
What is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week dates back to 1953. While some states recognized teachers with different kinds of annual celebrations earlier, that’s when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to create a special day to recognize them. It still took another 27 years to become an official national day, celebrated in March until 1984, when it moved to May. The National Parent Teacher Association made it a weeklong celebration.
Recognizing teachers: The importance of celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week
Nothing can truly prepare someone for being a teacher. Teaching is a job that doesn’t have one set of skills. Research, instruction, behavior management, feedback, and evaluation are all happening simultaneously! Teachers understand that part of the salary will go back into the classrooms for supplies, decorations, books, or food for hungry kids. They have front-row seats to magical and terrible things. To say that it’s different every day is an understatement. Those working with students know it’s more than curriculum and questioning strategies. It’s also creating meaningful relationships and building confidence. Teachers are in it because they have a heart for education and want to do what’s best for kids. And that’s something to celebrate.
Positively impact teacher morale and school climate
Teachers don’t show up to school for recognition. They’re truly there for the students, but everyone likes to feel appreciated. If schools focus on creating a supportive environment, acknowledging teacher contributions, and encouraging collaboration, the overall school climate is positively impacted. Teacher morale can be further boosted by encouraging autonomy and empowering decision-making about their teaching practices and classroom management.
Easy ways administrators can celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week
It’s important to create opportunities for teachers to provide feedback and participate in professional growth through workshops and other training. Diverse perspectives enhance learning and discussions within your school. Make sure to recognize and appreciate the unique skills and experiences that each teacher brings to the school. And remember to support overall teacher well-being through resources and opportunities for teachers to prioritize their mental and physical health. Celebrating teachers makes a difference in the professional lives of educators.
Let’s talk about presents! What do you gift for Teacher Appreciation Week? Read on for gift ideas to celebrate teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week.
From admins to teachers: Easy Teacher Appreciation Week gift ideas
There may not be a lot of cash in the budget to buy things for teachers, but that doesn’t have to limit your Teacher Appreciation Week gifts. Classroom supplies, like pencils or boxes of tissues, are always useful and welcome. For teacher appreciation ideas, though, get a little more personal with gifts for the teacher, not the classroom.
Start with your school community. Some parents may own businesses or provide services who would love to partner with you to honor teachers with gift ideas. There could be restaurants or stores with special offers for teachers. Compile a list or gather coupons and links for teachers to use easily.
Strategies to make Teacher Appreciation Week special
Teachers don’t ask for much, and they appreciate everything! Here’s a list of some thoughtful (and even free!) ways to show appreciation to those who give so much.
- Stop by the classroom and allow the teacher to grab some coffee, take a walk down the hall, or have a much-needed bathroom break. Remind them not to hurry back!
- Give the gift of time. Nothing makes a teacher happier than having extra time in the classroom to take care of business. If a meeting can end early (better yet–be an email instead!), give that time back to teachers.
- Ask students to participate in a video that shines a spotlight on the teachers in your building. They can share special memories and ways teachers have helped them. Share the video in a schoolwide assembly.
- Take a lunch, recess, or other duty for a day or two. Those extra minutes are more valuable than you may realize.
- Offer to help with a chore–whether it’s putting up a bulletin board, labeling books, or moving desks for a new seating chart.
- Food is always a good idea! Cater lunch. Provide breakfast and coffee. Stock the teacher’s lounge with snacks.
- Ask families to write thank you letters to their child’s teacher. Provide paper for students to take home for this activity with specific ideas to include in the notes.
- Find out what’s on your teachers' wish lists. Can you figure out ways to make some of them happen?
- Decorate the school with Teacher Appreciation Week messages. Students can make posters or add artwork and words of encouragement using sidewalk chalk outside.
- Put surprises in mailboxes. Gift cards, coupons, treats, or even a handwritten note of appreciation are a few possibilities.
Recognizing teachers year-round: Strategies for ongoing appreciation
Schools naturally have a community feel. Foster that sense of belonging and shared purpose among teachers by promoting open and honest communication between teachers, staff, and administration. Don’t forget the small, sincere gestures of kindness and consistent recognition that can significantly affect teacher morale and job satisfaction. Thank you goes a long way, especially when a teacher uses planning time to teach another class or offers to take a duty on an unscheduled day.
Share the good news about your teachers! Use school newsletters, social media, or school-wide announcements to give shout-outs and recognize specific accomplishments. Provide feedback – verbal or written – for big and small milestones and support for those challenging times.
Creating a positive school culture
A positive school culture is critical, but it doesn’t just happen. It takes work and planning. Encourage students and teachers to work together and support each other. Shine a spotlight on positive student behaviors and interactions because those student behaviors impact teacher morale. Make space for teachers and students to share ideas and concerns, knowing that their words matter. Celebrate individual and team achievements and practice gratitude for one another’s roles in the classroom and school.
Support educators with powerful education technology this Teacher Appreciation Week
Teaching is a challenging profession. Teachers want to make a difference as they grow and learn right alongside the students. Don’t stop with just one week. Keep the appreciation going, and show gratitude daily for everything teachers do!
If you want to bring math and science solutions that are serious fun for teaching (and learning!), check out ExploreLearning resources. Whether you want to give your K-2 students a head start in STEM with Science4Us, dive into the Gizmos library of over 550 virtual STEM simulations with grades 3-12, build math fact fluency in grades 2+ with Reflex, or finally solve the fractions struggle in grades 3+ with Frax, we’ve got you covered. You can count on each program for evidence-based strategies that work and safety measures for online data security.
Share the links for free ExploreLearning trials with your teachers. They’ll be glad you did!
