7. Play ball
Work with other parents and administrators to set up an after-school faculty softball game. Invite parents and kids to cheer their teachers on. This will help generate enthusiasm for teachers and allow kids to see another side of them.
8. Be a little bird
Look into teacher awards, like Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and nominate your child’s teacher—especially if he or she happens to be a great teacher for whom recognition is due.
9. Spread the word
Call local radio and TV stations and ask them to publicize Teacher Appreciation Week. That way, teachers throughout your community will be more likely to experience the important morale boost associated with this week.
10. Give a thoughtful gift
It’s a classic suggestion, but a thoughtful gift really does brighten a teacher’s day. There’s no need to break the bank in doing so—either go with a modestly priced gift or arrange for all the classroom parents to contribute a few dollars. Try to pick a gift that corresponds to the teacher’s interests—game tickets for the sports nut, a mall gift certificate for the fashion lover, a restaurant gift certificate for the gourmand, or movie passes for the film buff. Don’t feel pressured to spend beyond your means—remember, this week is about appreciating teachers, not impressing them.
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