Teachers play a powerful role in our lives. I can tell you the name of every teacher I ever had, as well as something about them.
My second grade teacher, Mrs. Claas was gentle and patient.
My high school English teacher Mr. White pushed me to think about literature in new and deeper ways.
My journalism teacher and mentor Mr. Harrell believed in me more than any other teacher. When I signed my book deal, I was sure to send him a note, knowing he would be proud.
I’m so thankful for the kind, wise teachers that God put in my life. I appreciate every one of them – well, except for my first-grade teacher, but that is a story for another day.
Now as a parent, I have an even deeper appreciation for teachers and they way they love the children they teach. It isn’t just about the ways that the directly pour into in their students’ education and well-being, it is all the additional time and resources they invest. Teaching truly is an incredible ministry.
With Teacher Appreciation Week just around the corner (May 5-9) I have been thinking a lot about how to bless the teachers at my children’s preschool.
The teachers there love on my children every day while my husband and I work. In some ways, they are an extension of us, loving, teaching and shepherding our kids in our physical absence. I’m so thankful that teachers my children have already had in their early years have loved so well.
I learned about teacher appreciation week last year via Pinterest. My son colored cards to deliver to his teachers and his thoughtfulness was appreciated.
This year, I quickly volunteered to help lead our parent council’s efforts for a more formal acknowledgement teacher appreciation week.
We decided to give each teacher a journal, wrapped with a tag of thanks. The journals were super affordable (thanks to DaySpring clearance) and something that both male and female teachers would use.
As I wrapped the rope around the journals, I prayed for the hands that would receive the gift. That they would feel loved. That they would know that they are valued. That this small gift would minister to them.
(in)courage kindly created these beautiful tags to print for teacher appreciation week. If you are planning to give a teacher a gift, be sure to print one off and attach it to your gift.
Remember, you don’t need to spend a lot (or any!) money to recognize the teachers in your life. Something as simple as some homemade bread or a gift card for a cup of coffee is a thoughtful way to show you care.
Leave a Comment
Kate says
Thank you for this sweet post. I am a mom of school age children and a Kindergarten teacher. Anything a family does for me during the year is so appreciated. But especially this time of year as we are putting in long hours preparing for Open House and the end of the year. It is a bittersweet time as we celebrate all the children have learned and prepare to let them go! Thanks again!
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Jessica,
As a preschool teacher for many years and the mother of a middle school teacher, I can’t emphasize enough how wonderful it feels to be appreciated. We would work long hours asking nothing more than a word of thanks. Gift cards are an especially appreciated gift, but more than that, take the time to write to your child’s teacher about how they have impacted your child’s life. I have many “thank you” notes that I have saved because they meant so much to me. Thanks for a great and timely post!
Blessings,
Bev
Nancy Ruegg says
As a former teacher myself, I say “Amen” to your idea, Bev. A handwritten note about the impact we’ve had in a child’s life is hugely encouraging and meaningful.
Thank you, Jessica, for letting parents know: a word of appreciation or a small gift for their kids’ teachers is a great way bless them.
Jessica Turner says
I love handwritten notes!
Crystal Stine says
My husband teaches third grade and this time of year is so stressful – thank you for thinking of teachers and for a very practical way to show them that we care 🙂 I think I’ll do this for my daughter’s daycare teachers as well!
Jessica Turner says
Yay!
Mandi Adams says
Thank you so much for this post! I am a high school teacher and appreciate it so much. Each child has so many high school teachers that we often don’t get the “gifts” that some earlier grades get, but I LOVE my kids and feel blessed to get to teach them each day for they have taught me far more about life than I could have ever taught them!
Jessica Turner says
Your students are lucky to have you!
Janet says
My daughter is a first year teacher in NYC and this special week of Teacher Appreciation I know will just bless her so. She always says the children are the reason she is a teacher. Teaching is not an easy profession and it is not a 9-3pm job nor Summers off especially for someone that has not gotten a Masters yet. My daughter spends a good chunk of her down time planning and grading. At 23 years old I think she would rather be enjoying the sights of NYC and she does but not as much as she would like 🙂
Thank you for the tags.
Jessica Wolstenholm says
Love this idea! As a preschool and public school mom I am always looking for ways to bless the people pouring into the lives of my children! Thanks for sharing!!
Susan Shipe says
My daughter homeschools her almost-11 year old son and I’m glad to get this reminder. I am ordering Mom (my daughter) a Pandora charm for this occasion. I so appreciate her sacrificing her time and schedule to give my grandson a good, Godly education!
Cynthia McGarity says
I love this post, Jessica. Thank you for the reminder that teachers grow and shape our children sometimes as much as we are able as parents. My dad was a teacher his entire life. And when he passed away two years ago this May, our family received emails, faxes and phone calls from former students (some students from 50 years previous) who told us Daddy had changed their lives…their perspective about life…but most importantly had given them a different personal view. The thought that they could succeed in any endeavor. We were tremendously blessed by these testimonials and comforted in the knowledge that, though a teacher’s salary can be meager, their worth is incomparable. Daddy wouldn’t have had it any other way and we were so proud of his life’s work. Thank you for the encouragement to encourage the teachers in our midst.
Denice says
My husband is a principal and just got a note from a parent yesterday thanking him for something he had done. It meant the world to him! Even the small things mean a lot!
Kiki says
just a quick THANK YOU for this post – heart-warming, necessary (sad in a way too that we don’t usually think of THANKING the teachers for all their work) and beautifully written.
Brigetta says
As a former high school teacher, I love seeing how teacher’s are loved up on once a year. The journal and tags are so beautiful.
Mindy Rogers says
I was a teacher for eight years before I became a stay at home momma. The smallest gesture of appreciation is felt deeply…my favorites were handmade cards with thoughtfully written notes. <3
Amy KW says
I am a teacher, and this post warmed my heart! Thank you for celebrating the teachers in the lives of your children!! And if I may? Parents of older children — your teachers *still* care – still lose sleep over your son/daughter — still pray for your child, their student. Take a moment and remember the middle level and high school teachers as well. We love your kids too! 🙂
Beth WIlliams says
My oldest sister was an elementary school teacher. She worked long hours during school and after. She got stuff and created things to teach them more than the basics.
Teachers are to be commended for the hard job they have and the great job they do teaching our children!
Blessings:)
Robin Troxell says
coming back to say I LOVE this photo!!
Jeff says
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the site
is also really good.
Lisa says
Thanks for the tags! I’m printing off the second page and using them on a skewer for a potted plant for our children’s teachers. Thank you for sharing this wonderful design for our use!