Happy teachers who feel appreciated are probably more likely to be enthusiastic, engaging and helpful in the classroom. Wouldn’t you agree?
It’s important to make sure your teachers know that school administration recognizes their importance in the success of students and the school overall…and it’s important all year long, not just during Teacher Appreciation Week.
To help you get started on this path, we’ve put together a list of ways you can help teachers feel appreciated all year long:
Make the teachers’ lounge inviting.
This doesn’t have to be a costly endeavor by any means. Make sure the lounge is always kept thoroughly clean and add little touches throughout the year – fresh flowers, tasteful seasonal decorations, a supply of healthy snacks, extra pens, etc. Post a weekly trivia question on a white board and give out small prizes to teachers who answer correctly.
Recognize birthdays.
Keep it simple, especially if your staff is large and your budget small. Consider a monthly celebration for all teachers who have birthdays during that month (and be sure to include the summer babies either in May or September!).
Write notes.
Any time you see outstanding work from your teachers, send a personal (and handwritten, if possible) note to express how proud and excited you are.
Teacher feature.
Work with the students who create the school newspaper to spotlight a teacher in each issue with a bio and information that students and other teachers might not know (Mr. Thompson can break dance? Miss Wilson once met Tom Hanks?).
Get students involved.
Offer students a way to appreciate teachers any time it’s warranted. Create an “appreciation station” with note cards and locked box where students can jot down what their teacher did that’s worthy of appreciation. Students can remain anonymous if they like. These appreciation notes can be republished in a newsletter, read aloud as part of announcements or incorporated in other ways.
Resources:
http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin308.shtml
http://www.baudville.com/Baudville-Teacher-Appreciation-Ideas-eBook/pdfs
