What Is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week, during the first week of May, recognizes and appreciates the contributions of teachers. During Teacher Appreciation Week (and Teacher Appreciation Day), students, parents, and the community at large are encouraged to show their gratitude and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of teachers. This can be done in many ways, such as writing thank-you notes, giving teacher appreciation gifts, organizing events, or simply expressing words of appreciation.
Printables & Ideas For Teacher Appreciation Week
Explore our teacher appreciation activities for students, including writing activities to encourage students to consider and recognize all that their teachers do for them. Printable thank-you teacher cards are the perfect way for students to express their gratitude for Teacher Appreciation Week or anytime in the school year.
For teachers, Teacher Appreciation Week is a great opportunity to take a moment for reflection and teacher self-care. Browse our collection of teaching articles, advice, and self-care ideas for teachers providing valuable insights, and practical suggestions for time management, work-life balance, and taking time to appreciate yourselves as teachers and individuals.
For Students: Teacher Appreciation Printables
Use these worksheets and printable writing activities to help students recognize and celebrate all the amazing things their teachers do, or students can choose from the thank you printable templates to create Teacher Appreciation cards for their favorite teachers. These activities and printable cards are also great to use at the end of the school year.
- Teacher Appreciation Letter Writing
Students can write the perfect thank-you letter to their favorite teacher with this complete kit of printables and activities. Includes support with how to write a letter, templates for drafting and final versions, and tips for delivering it to their chosen teacher.
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Have students fill in these Teacher Appreciation Mad Libs to practice using parts of speech, while celebrating the hard work that their teachers do.
- 8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Teacher Appreciation Week
Give any of these printable cards during Teacher Appreciation Week (the first full week in May) or anytime during the school year when you and your child want to express your gratitude for a job well done!
- If I Were The Teacher
In this creative writing activity, students pretend to be the teacher and learn what it’s like to be in their teacher’s shoes.
- Great Teacher
Students are asked to remember one of their favorite teachers; record details about why this person was such a special teacher, and create a short story from the memory.
For Teachers: Self-Care Resources
We appreciate teachers and understand the pressures teaching puts on work-life balance, well-being, and mental health. That’s why we created our Self-Care hub for teachers. Browse self-care guides designed specifically for teachers, watch on-demand self-care webinars, or sign up to receive self-care newsletters. This Teacher Appreciation Week put yourself first, and make time for self-care.
For Teachers: Teacher Appreciation Articles
- Gimme Some Truth: Teaching Advice
This excerpt from Rafe Esquith's Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire will instruct you on how to create a save haven for your students in your classroom.
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Feel Like You’re Working Harder Than Ever? 6 Ways to Manage Your Time Better
Seasoned elementary teacher Mikaela shares 6 ways to make your teaching time more manageable, and suggests balancing your health and well-being with the needs of your students, colleagues, and family. -
My Workload Has Doubled, Here's How I Am Taking Care of Me
COVID-19 has changed everything in education - including teacher workloads. For veteran elementary teacher Lisa, the time has come to take control of self-care in the face of long, long, loooooonng days. -
Work/Life Boundaries: Often Preached, Rarely Practiced
Maintaining a healthy work/life balance as a teacher requires action, not just good intentions. - Teachers, Appreciate Yourselves
Even if it's just a few minutes each day, it is important to take care of yourself this week and every week.
- 12 Inspiring Quotes That Capture the Spirit of Teacher Appreciation Week
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we picked out a dozen of our favorite quotes about the invaluable work that teachers do every day.
- Do You Need to Unplug? A Checklist for Healthy Work-Life Boundaries for Teachers
Advisory board member, Jeanne, describes why it is important to unplug once and a while to avoid burnout. This way you will be able to teach better and live happier.
- Maintaining Your Mental Health as a Teacher
Self-care is important, especially when you spend the majority of your day focused on the well-being of others.
- What To Do Sunday To Feel Ready To Teach Monday
If you're experiencing the "Sunday Scaries," this is a must read for taking back your weekend.
