Teachers are with your children for at least 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, 9 months of the year… and sometimes more. Even when they’re not at school, they’re thinking of your children in some way — grading papers, creating lesson plans, brainstorming solutions for various classroom challenges.
Good news: you don’t have to wait until the last day of school to say thanks for all those efforts. Teacher Appreciation Week kicks off with National Teacher Day on Tuesday, May 7th. As the spouse of a teacher, I can say this is the perfect time of year to give them a boost and show your gratitude.
I’m also a soon-to-be parent of a special needs child, and I’m already looking forward to thanking my daughter’s future teachers for the extra efforts they put forth in supporting students with special needs, whether physical, cognitive, emotional or social.
On the National Education Association website, you’ll find a number of ideas for giving an A+ to the special teacher(s) in your children and grandchildren’s lives. We’ll highlight a few of them here:
- Brag about a special teacher(s) on social media. There are a few ways to do so: change your Facebook profile picture or Twitter avatar to the image above (which can be uploaded from the NEA Today Facebook page). Mention a teacher who changed your life in a Facebook status. Tweet about a special teacher using this hashtag: #thankateacher. Tweet suggestions are available on the NEA website
- Sign this pledge of support for educators across the country.
- Work together with student groups to provide special refreshments (cookies, pizza, drinks, snacks, breakfast items) in the Teacher’s Lounge.
- Give a bouquet of flowers or balloons to brighten the classroom.
- For business owners in the community: offer discounts to teachers for any purchases made on May 7th.
Head to this page on the NEA website for more ideas & inspiration.
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Think of these timeless words from John C. Maxwell in a different way this coming week. Show the teachers in your life that you care about the difference they’re making, so they can continue to care for your children!
Also, check out the ways that 101 Mobility has helped special needs students in the community achieve their educational goals and dreams.
