What Makes a Teacher Feel Appreciated? [Part One] (2024)

As my daughter gets ready to start Kindergarten this fall, I’ve been reflecting on the special teachers in her life thus far and looking forward to those we have yet to meet.

What a special gift our educators have! I have a lot of patience, but I still watch in wonder at all the love and energy these teachers pour out each day with such grace andauthenticity. I could not do it. BUT I’m so glad there are special people in the world that can.

Those who have taken care of,taught and loved my kids have no clue just how much they are appreciated. I started thinking about this and found myself really curious to know what makes a teacher feel appreciated. They can’t possibly want one more hand-made craft orbouquetofpencils or other Pinterest fail, right?

What can we do as parents (alongside our children) to make sure our teachers know we appreciate them?

I decided to do some research of my own. I reached out to nearly every teacher I know and asked them to tell me what makes them feel appreciated. The response was eye-opening for me and I wanted to share my findings. This exercise has definitely given me some great ideas and I hope you find value in it as well.

Lindsey is entering her 12th year of teaching 1st grade this fall.

She immediately squashed mypreconceivednotion that teachers are tired of getting handmade stuff…

I think the most important thing to remember is thoughtful instead of expensive. Homemade treats, favorite snacks, a sonic drink, cards with kind & encouraging words, handmade keepsakes from kiddos (canvases, fingerprint art, flower pots, etc.) are always big hits. -Lindsey

What Makes a Teacher Feel Appreciated? [Part One] (1)

Thisis the keepsake I got this year with all the kids’ fingerprints. I have several different versions of these that I display in my classroom to remember each class.– Lindsey

What Makes a Teacher Feel Appreciated? [Part One] (2)

This [RIGHT] was an awesome end-of-the-year gift. One of my moms secretly coordinated with the other parents and collected gift cards over the last couple weeks of school. Then at the end of the year party, they presented me with a gift card bouquet. I have really enjoyed spending those this summer (and sending sweet thank yous to the kiddo/family it was from).-Lindsey

Here are a couple examples [BELOW] of the things I got during teacher appreciation week. Most of them were small but thoughtful gifts/treats. Just knowing that parents were appreciative and made the effort to let me know was awesome!-LindseyWhat Makes a Teacher Feel Appreciated? [Part One] (3)Lindsey also keeps a “Wall of Encouragement” [BELOW] where she keeps notes from parents and co-workers on the inside of her classroom cabinets.

What Makes a Teacher Feel Appreciated? [Part One] (4)

Lindsey is also a mom and had a great idea for getting to know your child’s teacher better – a “Favorites” sheet. This is just a simple form that asks the teacher to share some of their favorites (snacks, hobbies, etc.).Here’s one I found on Pinterest.

Just acknowledging and appreciating the time, effort, and love a teacher pours into your child (and the other 24 kids) and making her/him feel like you have their back goes a long way!-Lindsey

Thank you, Lindsey! These are great ideas.

Missyhas been teaching for 32 years. She is currently a Middle School Special Education teacher.

Missy had a great perspective on the topic. She didn’t really speak of a physical gift, but rather the actions of a parent. Her response was sincere and thoughtful:

The best gift a parent can give to their child’s teacher is their support for their child’s success in our classroom.I know this sounds cheesy and cliche but to me, this would be the greatest gift that keeps on giving in many ways.

During the Middle School years, a parent tends to drop out of the picture compared to what they did for their child at the elementary level. To me, this is the crucial time to be visible at school anyway possible – volunteering to copy, help the nurse, support the classroom teacher anyway possible, volunteer in the library and the list could go forever.

The middle school years are the most challenging times for a young person due to a child starting to follow the temptation of their peers’ opinions over their parents.

Lastly, one other gift would be whena parent gives 100% support to a teacher’s lead in their classroom by staying in positive communication when a concern or problem arises with their child. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and educate yourself as a parent.There is no greater gift to a teacher than to see the pride in a child’s eyes that their parents care about their education.-Missy

Wow, right? Well said, Missy. Thank you.

Brandyis a stay-at-home mom of three but previously spent 15 years in childcare (pre-k for two of those years).

She had some great thoughts on the topic and they surprisingly (or maybe not?) echoed Missy’s sentiments above.

Honestly, I don’t think that it’s anything you can purchase. Things are nice and sweet, butI think that the simple support day-to-day, enthusiasm to help when needed, and working as a team for their child was what made me feel the most appreciated. I have gifts from parents that barely spoke to me, but the parents that came in every day, asked how my life was, and what they could do for their children are the ones that I remember well and still have relationships with.

If I had to pick gifts that stood out, I would have to pick thoughtful things. I had a pre-K mom that was an art teacher so she had the kids put theirthumbprints on a cookie jar, painted it, fired it, and it now sits on my kitchen counter.

As a parent buying gifts, I’ve tried to do simple things like take coffee and donuts for special treats regularly, and organized a class gift of visa gift cards so they can spend it however they choose.

Most of all, teachers get a bad rap. They have to be the bearer of bad news or send home bad grades. Most parents either ignore it or question the teacher at every turn. Don’t get me wrong, some teachers need to be questioned, but most don’t. They don’t get the credit for all the little things they do – like all the hugs, kind words, endless hours preparing, lessons and a warm environment for the kids. -Brandy

That last part really resonated with me. My husband used to coach and teach at a middle school and he dealt with (or had fellow teachers that dealt with) the “my child can’t do wrong” parents ALL THE TIME. I appreciate that perspective and will always carry it with me.

Serenais entering her 5th year of teaching 1st grade.

I am always grateful for anything I receive, especially if it’sobvious that the student picked it out themselves. Many students try to pick things out that they know I will love – mainly because it’s green, or has polka dots or owls (They know me very well!)

Of course, gifts are lovely and always appreciated,but showing appreciation doesn’t have to cost money or happen just during teacher appreciation week! Simple cards or letters from students and parents put a big smile on my face. As a teacher, I love to hear from parents about good things they see happening with their child at school, and not just their concerns.Positive notes are few and far between and getting a few more every year would certainly help me feel more appreciated!

If parents want to buy a small gift for a teacher, I suggest they ask their child for suggestions!They really do notice everything about us…our favorite color, animal, food, what we like to drink, etc. My students could even tell you my favorite pens to use!

Some of my favorite tokens of appreciation have been a set of new colorful pens, small gift cards to places my students know I like, and a bottle of my favorite soda brought to me on a random day. -Serena

Serena shared some of her favorite gifts below:

What Makes a Teacher Feel Appreciated? [Part One] (5)

To summarize:

  • Making a teacher feel appreciateddoesn’t have to cost money.
  • Positive communicationis always welcome and they don’t get it nearly enough.
  • Be involved, whether that’s volunteering to help the teacher or simply partnering with them in the education of your child.
  • Regarding physical tokens of appreciation –thoughtful and/or sentimentalgifts are the best.

I had many more responses, so I thought I’d break this post into two parts!Stay tuned for part two.

And please share other ideas you may have! I will add them to my teacher appreciation arsenal.

What Makes a Teacher Feel Appreciated? [Part One] (2024)

FAQs

What qualities do you appreciate in a teacher? ›

Some qualities of a good teacher include skills in communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience. Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices and a lifelong love of learning.

How do you show teachers they are appreciated? ›

11 Wonderful Ways to Thank a Teacher for Being GREAT
  1. Thank a Teacher by Asking to Help. ...
  2. Thank a Teacher with a Hand-Drawn Picture. ...
  3. Show Gratitude to Teachers with Sweets. ...
  4. Give Them Something Cool for Their Class. ...
  5. Keep Your Teacher's Energy Bolstered with a Coffee Gift Card.

Why should you appreciate your teacher? ›

They shape our lives by imparting their knowledge and always inspire us to dream, to fight, and to never give up. They put relentless efforts each day to ensure our success. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are today! It's important to appreciate the teachers who have dedicated their lives to building the nation.

Do teachers feel appreciated? ›

While most teachers report that they do enjoy their job, almost all of them feel overwhelmed and underappreciated at times. Three-quarters of the teachers surveyed said that they didn't think that their profession was appreciated by students or the public.

What makes a good teacher great reflection? ›

Good teachers have desire, a positive attitude, and take risks. Keeping students off balance can discourage complacency and maintain interest. A good teacher knows what motivates each student, and works with the student as a partner in learning. A good teacher is also competent, creative and caring.

What makes a good teacher essay 150 words? ›

Being positive and cheerful with your students will make them understand you better. Be focused. The teacher needs to control the behavior in the class, as well as the way the students are prepared for the class. Be able to interest your students in the information you are telling them about.

Which one of the following is the most important quality of a good teacher? ›

Sound knowledge of subject-matter is the most important quality of a good teacher as it is the most important factor on which the effectiveness of teaching depends.

How do you appreciate? ›

How to show appreciation
  1. Say “thank you" ...
  2. Pay attention to them. ...
  3. Listen empathetically. ...
  4. Write an appreciation note. ...
  5. Be reliable. ...
  6. Be specific. ...
  7. Actions speak louder than words. ...
  8. Gift them a plant or flowers to brighten their day.
13 May 2021

How do you thank a teacher for appreciation? ›

My gratitude to you for all you have done, which I will never forget. I truly appreciate you and your time you spent helping me in many occasions. Thank you very much for the course. I enjoyed every minute of your lecture as well as your marvelous sense of humor.

What do you love about teachers? ›

1) They give love, attention, and acceptance to all kids.

2) They help their students succeed academically, even when that takes extra time to alter a lesson, one-on-one time teaching the student, or staying after hours to make sure they understand a math concept. 3) They make students feel special.

How would you describe a teacher in a sentence? ›

Excellent Teacher

Awesome – “You're an awesome teacher who makes every class fun.” Energetic – “Your energetic approach to teaching and learning invigorates the students and keeps them focused.” Experienced – “I can tell you are an experienced teacher by the way you control your classroom.”

Why teachers are the best? ›

They teach us new things and help us discover our passions. They challenge us to reach our highest potential and believe we can achieve anything we set our minds to. They help foster a love for learning by making lessons fun. No achievement is too small in their classrooms, they celebrate every milestone we reach.

What is the best message for teacher? ›

Wishing you joy and happiness, you are an amazing teacher, and you only deserve the best. You are the spark, the inspiration, the guide, the candle to my life. I am deeply thankful that you are my teacher. Books, sports, homework and knowledge, you are the pillar of our success and in the classroom, you are the best.

How do you please a teacher? ›

Be respectful.

It's very important that you be respectful and kind to not only your teacher, but to everyone else in class as well. Treat the other people in your class like you would want to be treated at all times. Don't talk in class when it's not the right time. Teachers will not be happy at improper interruptions.

How can I impress my teacher? ›

10 Ways to Impress a Teacher
  1. of 08. Pay Attention to Details. Thomas Barwick/Iconica/Getty Images. ...
  2. of 08. Do Your Homework. ...
  3. of 08. Be Attentive in Class. ...
  4. of 08. Answer Questions. ...
  5. of 08. Be Considerate. ...
  6. of 08. Be Helpful in Class. ...
  7. of 08. Say Thank You. ...
  8. of 08. Give an Engraved Item.
14 Aug 2017

What are the best appreciation words? ›

General Thank-You Phrases
  • Thank you so much.
  • Thank you very much.
  • I appreciate your consideration.
  • I appreciate your guidance.
  • I appreciate your help.
  • I appreciate your time.
  • I sincerely appreciate ….
  • My sincere appreciation.
26 Jul 2022

What do you write in a teacher's teacher appreciation? ›

Below are some simple thank you messages to use.
  • You've helped me grow into the person I am. ...
  • You challenged me to ask more of myself. ...
  • Words can't express how you have helped shape who I am. ...
  • I will never forget my time in your class. ...
  • You showed me what I am truly capable of. ...
  • You truly have made a difference to my life.
24 Nov 2021

How do you motivate teachers? ›

Ways to Motivate Teachers
  1. Offer Praise. ...
  2. Recognize teachers who go above and beyond expectations. ...
  3. Be available for the teaching staff. ...
  4. Create a compelling reward program for teachers. ...
  5. Listen to your teacher's concerns. ...
  6. Uplift their ideas. ...
  7. Schedule fun events on the teacher's calendar. ...
  8. Give your teachers the gift of time.
19 Apr 2022

What are the 10 qualities of a good teacher? ›

Qualities of Effective Teachers
  • Love Their Students. ...
  • Listen to Students. ...
  • Make Time for Each Student. ...
  • Learn Something New Every Day. ...
  • Fill the Classroom with Positivity. ...
  • Patiently Handle Challenging Situations. ...
  • Constantly Look for Ways to Become Better. ...
  • Collaborate with Other Teachers.

Who is a great teacher? ›

A great teacher is warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. This person is approachable, not only to students, but to everyone on campus. This is the teacher to whom students know they can go with any problems or concerns or even to share a funny story.

What makes a good primary school teacher? ›

To be a primary school teacher, you'll need: excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. good organisational and time-management skills. energy, enthusiasm, stamina, patience, dedication, resilience and self-discipline.

What I liked most about teacher? ›

The teacher you like mostA teacher is a person who provides knowledge and improves skill of the students. He shapes up the whole life of the students through his knowledge patience love and care. A good teacher has many qualities and fully able to make his students successful in life. I like Dr.

What qualities make a good teacher paragraph? ›

9 Qualities of a Good Teacher Essay | Traits of a Good Teacher
  • Up to date Information. A good teacher always brings new information to the classroom. ...
  • Command over Subject. ...
  • Situational Analysis. ...
  • Positive Attitude. ...
  • Strong Control over Classroom. ...
  • A Professional Reader. ...
  • Good Evaluator.

What does teacher mean to you in 100 words? ›

Paragraph 1 - 100 Words

A teacher is a person who does the work of teaching. The teacher performs the teaching-learning process with ease and expertise. The teacher enlightens us on our path to move towards achieving the completion. The first role model of children outside their family is their teacher.

What do students look for in their teacher? ›

The key role of teachers is to make students focus in class. A good lesson is a result of active participation between both teacher and student. A teacher should commit to what he/she is saying, and a student should listen to each sentence and interpret it to learn.

Who is good teacher essay? ›

“text”:”A good teacher is one who is well-prepared. They always care for their students even outside the classroom. They instill good values in them and teach them subjects efficiently.”}

What makes you feel appreciated work? ›

Make time for the team

Employees often feel the most valued when spending time directly with a leader or manager outside of normal job responsibilities. Treat them to a coffee break or take them out to lunch to get to know them better and hear their ideas about the workplace.

How do I feel more appreciated? ›

Show Some Kindness

Showing kindness can boost your own happiness. So consider whether helping others makes you feel good about yourself, even if others don't seem to appreciate you as much as you'd like. You might have a chance to learn new skills or sharpen existing ones—like patience.

Why is appreciation important? ›

It makes people feel valued and drives them to do their best. It also helps with wellbeing and mental health, so it really can make a difference.

How do you appreciate in one word? ›

  1. admire,
  2. apprize,
  3. esteem,
  4. regard,
  5. respect,
  6. revere,
  7. reverence,
  8. venerate.

Why do you appreciate someone? ›

Appreciation is the act of giving something or someone their proper value, and everybody has value. The value in a relationship is important because it lets a person know where they stand, and what they mean to you; appreciation is a way of letting that person know what you value.

How do you say thank you and appreciation? ›

Show Your Appreciation With 25 Other Ways To Say “Thank You”
  1. I'm so grateful.
  2. I appreciate it.
  3. Thanks for your hard work on this.
  4. I couldn't have done it without you.
  5. I owe you one.
  6. Much obliged.
  7. Thanks for having my back.
  8. Please accept my deepest gratitude.
9 Dec 2021

How do you praise a teacher for good work? ›

I am so grateful for the impact you've had on my child this year. They'll carry you with them at every grade level. You are the epitome of what a great teacher looks like. You've made a difference in my child's life, and for that I am grateful.

What inspires you to be a teacher? ›

Many teachers discover that their love of children draws them to teaching, or that their own love of learning makes them passionate about teaching. Some teachers enter the profession because they're eager to make a difference—people tend to remember their teachers for an entire lifetime, long after school is over.

Why do you love your teacher write in three sentences? ›

Teachers are great at motivating, supporting, and challenging us to unlocking our true potential! They believe in us before we believe in ourselves. 3. They help foster a love for reading, writing, and learning.

What being a teacher means to me? ›

It means having the knowledge to understand where a child is at and knowing how to scaffold that learning to bigger opportunities. It means interacting with families, parents and the community as a voice for the children and for other Early Childhood Educators.

How do you praise a teacher in one word? ›

One word Compliments for Teachers
  1. Humble.
  2. Visionary.
  3. Leader.
  4. Empathizing.
  5. Unique.
  6. Strong.
  7. Genial.
  8. Supportive.
5 days ago

Who is a teacher in one line? ›

A teacher is a person who imparts knowledge, values, virtues and is a source of inspiration to his/her students at school.

Who is a teacher in simple words? ›

A teacher, also called a schoolteacher or formally an educator, is a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence, or virtue.

What is the most important role of a teacher? ›

Not only do they guide students in academics or extracurricular activities, but teachers are also responsible for shaping a child's future, making him/her a better human being. A teacher imparts knowledge, good values, tradition, modern-day challenges and ways to resolve them within students.

Why teacher is important in our life? ›

Teachers provide the power of education to today's youth, thereby giving them the possibility for a better future. Teachers simplify the complex, and make abstract concepts accessible to students. Teachers also expose children to ideas and topics that they might otherwise not have come into contact with.

How can I impress my teacher? ›

10 Ways to Impress a Teacher
  1. of 08. Pay Attention to Details. Thomas Barwick/Iconica/Getty Images. ...
  2. of 08. Do Your Homework. ...
  3. of 08. Be Attentive in Class. ...
  4. of 08. Answer Questions. ...
  5. of 08. Be Considerate. ...
  6. of 08. Be Helpful in Class. ...
  7. of 08. Say Thank You. ...
  8. of 08. Give an Engraved Item.
14 Aug 2017

How do you get your teacher to like you? ›

  1. Go to class. OK, I know that this one is really obvious, but it's the biggest and most important step. ...
  2. Use proper titles. ...
  3. Don't use text-speak in emails. ...
  4. Look to the syllabus for logistical questions. ...
  5. At least act like you're paying attention. ...
  6. Speak up in class. ...
  7. Engage. ...
  8. Go to office hours.
27 Apr 2015

How can I impress my teacher essay? ›

Essay Writing Tips to Impress your Teacher
  1. First, keep in mind that an academic essay always has these distinctive features: ...
  2. Second, know and observe proper structure. ...
  3. Third, cite your references. ...
  4. Fourth, maintain an academic or objective tone. ...
  5. Finally, as in all types of writing, always be mindful of your audience.
8 Aug 2020

How can I impress my teacher in presentation? ›

How to Impress Teachers and Classmates With Your Presentation

What do teachers like about students? ›

They want them to come prepared, focused, and motivated. They want students to enjoy the learning process and to be active participants in the learning process. Teachers want students to be respectful. They want students to respect their authority.

What do you write in a teacher's teacher appreciation? ›

Below are some simple thank you messages to use.
  • You've helped me grow into the person I am. ...
  • You challenged me to ask more of myself. ...
  • Words can't express how you have helped shape who I am. ...
  • I will never forget my time in your class. ...
  • You showed me what I am truly capable of. ...
  • You truly have made a difference to my life.
24 Nov 2021

How do you have a good relationship with your teacher? ›

Developing Good Teacher-Student Relationships

You can do lots of things to get a good connection going with your teacher. First, do the obvious stuff: show up for class on time, with all assignments completed. Be alert, be respectful, and ask questions. Show an interest in the subject.

Is it OK to have a crush on your teacher? ›

Even though having crushes on teachers is very normal, there are a few situations where I might be concerned. If you're having the urge to act on your crush or to let your teacher know, then that can be a problem. As you know, a relationship between you and your teacher is not possible.

Can teachers have crushes on students? ›

Yes. While most teachers wouldn't admit it or act on any such impulses, teachers sometimes crush on their students mostly in cases where they're close in age or in tertiary institutions.

How do you tell your teacher that you love her? ›

Just tell her, “Miss/Ms./Mrs. —, you are a wonderful person, it was great meeting you, and you had an incredible impact on my life.” I am not sure where you are, but dating/ having relations with present or former students is a big “no - no”.

How do you appreciate a hard work teacher? ›

My gratitude to you for all you have done, which I will never forget. I truly appreciate you and your time you spent helping me in many occasions. Thank you very much for the course. I enjoyed every minute of your lecture as well as your marvelous sense of humor.

How do you appreciate someone in words? ›

Personal thank you
  1. I appreciate you!
  2. You are the best.
  3. I appreciate your help so much.
  4. I'm grateful to you.
  5. I wanted to thank you for your help.
  6. I value the help you've given me.
  7. I am so thankful for you in my life.
  8. Thanks for the support.

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