Leader tips to create a meaningful Teacher Appreciation Week

If you think back to your years as a classroom educator, what’s one special thing you loved about Teacher Appreciation Week? It may not have been a big gesture, but it made you feel truly valued as an educator.❤️

The appreciation you and your fellow leaders share can last through all the years of an educator’s journey. As you shape your plans for this year, the ideas below – shared by your fellow leaders – might spark a new way to show your team how much their work matters.

Leader Crystal Uhiren shares candy-heart-style notes with personalized puns and words of appreciation – just to remind her team they’re making a difference to their students.

Principal Latreicia Allen is building a week of thoughtful plans to celebrate her team schoolwide – and show them how powerful their work is.

In Principal Tika Epstein’s school community, one day of Teacher Appreciation Week will feature build-your-own snackle boxes. Filled with healthy, sweet, and salty treats, each box brings a little extra care into a teacher’s day!

One year, Principal Erika Garcia-Niles invited each teacher to choose a word that defined them – then hand-stamped bracelets and wrote notes to celebrate their values: “Every single time I go into classrooms, I see that my staff keep them and put them on their boards.”

Leader Sarah Sirgo shares five ideas for celebrating her team through practical support – because some days, the most meaningful gesture of appreciation is a little extra time, flexibility and trust.

In educator Melissa Hiltner’s school community, teachers, paraprofessionals and staff fill out “room service” cards with favorite snacks and drinks for delivery. It’s a simple way to make every team member feel seen, valued and treated!

Educator Sherrill Knezel’s school community gathered words of appreciation from students and families. Through good days and tough moments, these framed mementos keep teachers in touch with their impact.

Shared by Principal Aaron Robb, this gratitude wall gives students a chance to share their thanks – in their own words – for the teachers who supported, challenged and encouraged them to grow all year.

Here’s to all the ways your teachers make a difference for every student – and all the ways you celebrate their work, this week and every week.