Teacher Appreciation Week has taken on a whole new meaning this year, as teachers everywhere dig deep to help remote, hybrid, and in-school learners stay motivated and on pace. Julie shares her thoughts on the real meaning of teacher appreciation, and some gifts she'd love to give this week.
When it comes to Teacher Appreciation Week, there are certain gifts that we can almost always expect. I have more coffee mugs than any other type of glass in my kitchen cabinets! My favorite tokens of appreciation were always handwritten notes or students who simply took a minute to say thank you when they came into the classroom.
This year Teacher Appreciation Week has taken on a whole new meaning. Teachers across the country have gone above and beyond to support their students as schools closed their doors and learning shifted online due to COVID-19. With all the challenges faced, it is uplifting to see teachers rise to the challenge and do the best they could with little training, time or precedent to guide them.
And since we cannot thank our favorite teachers enough, here are the gifts we’d love to give and receive for Teacher Appreciation Week 2021.
"Dedicated Teacher Even From A Distance" T-Shirt
Teachers wear their hearts on their sleeve, and this shirt captures the spirit of teachers stepping up and taking on distance learning, challenges and all! The shirt comes in ten different colors, so you can match your school colors. Order one for your favorite teacher friends, and they can expect to receive it in 1-3 business days. In the meantime, email them a picture of the shirt and ask them what size works best for them. Include a kind note about how much you appreciate your colleague. Also, order one for yourself as well.
"Because Quaran-Teacher 2021" Tumbler
Zoom classes. Google Classroom tutorials, and so many emails. Teachers need coffee, and lots of it (bonus if the coffee stays warm!). We love this tumbler, which can also work for water or a teacher’s favorite adult beverage.
Personalized Best Zoom Teacher Tote
And more zoom classes. If the tumbler idea isn't your cup of tea, then this personalizable tote is the perfect gift for the get up and go teacher. While it won't hold some much needed caffeine, it can help any teacher stay organized and motivated with its empowering message!
Snail Mail Thank You Cards
Teachers love and save the cards their students give them. While we are separated from seeing our students, receiving a handwritten card with their artwork and signature is a powerful reminder that even apart, we are still connected.
Gifts Supporting Local Businesses
While an Amazon gift card or Target gift card is always helpful for purchasing classroom supplies, local small businesses need as much support as possible to weather this pandemic. Contact your local bookstore and ask them to choose a few books for teachers and have them sent to teachers’ homes. You could also consider contacting local restaurants and offering takeout for teachers.
What do you want for Teacher Appreciation Week? Share with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
