In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, all of us at The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership would like to thank teachers for the important difference they make with our students every day.
Educators change lives and their leadership and commitment to the success of their students has a lasting impact that extends well beyond the classroom and into communities worldwide.
The following are some ideas and resources for students, parents and local communities to show your appreciation to an educator:
Be creative:
- Send an e-card or create a teacher appreciation collage.
- Write a poem, song or story about your favorite teacher.
- Draw a picture of what you like best about your teacher.
For additional ideas, go to:
Teacher Appreciation
View or Upload a Video
Additional Creative Tips
Be thoughtful:
- Make one of your teacher’s favorite treats (cookies, cake, cupcakes, etc.).
- Buy your teacher a gift (gift card, flowers, candy, etc.).
- Organize a carwash for your school’s educators.
For additional ideas, go to:
Skip to my Lou
NEA's National Teacher Day
Pinterest Ideas
Be charitable:
- Make a donation to your teacher’s favorite charity.
- Volunteer your time in the classroom.
- Collect and donate school supplies.
Please consider making a donation to one of the many school projects on DonorsChoose.org. Select a project by subject, state, city, or school. Donate any amount.
Testimonials:
During Teacher Appreciation Week, Walden University asked our graduates to share stories about when they felt appreciated.
“It was when I completed my first field practicum at a facility for mentally challenged students that I knew I wanted to be a special needs teacher. I am grateful to have been under the leadership of Dr. Gloria Mitchell and Dr. Charles Songster. They helped guide me to not only pursue a career in teaching special needs students but to become an advocate for them as well.”
Towanda Henderson – Ed.S.
Special Education Teacher, Newton County School System
Stone Mountain, Ga.
“One of my current students gave me a box of cookies and said, ‘This is just a present for you for having been my teacher. I learned a lot from you.’ It was great to hear that.”
Emmanuel Flores – M.S. in Education, 2011
Foreign Languages Academic Coordinator
Puebla, Mexico
“Throughout my 25 years in education, I have had students call, write, and/or visit my present-day classroom. It has been very gratifying to see that my students have become responsible, respectful, and mature adults. Knowing that I planted a seed many years ago and that each has become an extraordinary individual motivates me to continue in this noble profession.”
Esmeralda Perez-Gonzalez – Ed.D., 2012
Grade 5 Bilingual Teacher/Mentor, Hays CISD
Kyle, Texas
“I enjoyed every student-teaching experience I had, but one of the best was my last. In Mr. Luker’s middle school language arts class, I had a moment when everything came into focus for me. It was when I knew that I had finally found my calling, my place in the universe. Although he and I were completely different in most ways, teaching with him was—and will always be—a treasured memory for me.”
Thomas McDaniel – M.S. in Education, 2010
Teacher, Northwest Allprep
Rochester, Wash.