Category: Teacher Appreciation

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What I Wish You Knew… Teacher Edition

Unless you have been a teacher yourself, it is difficult to truly understand just how much teachers do behind the scenes– the long hours spent planning, grading, and creating, showing up to teach when you don’t feel well, or even the time spent outside of school worrying about their students. Teachers put in so much time and effort, and rarely get the acknowledgement they deserve. 

I asked some teachers to share what they wished parents knew, how parents have supported them, and what support they wish parents would give, and thought I’d share what they had to say!

What are some things you wish parents/guardians knew about you, your job, and/or your efforts?

  • I wish parents knew how many countless hours teachers spend outside of their contract hours. I wish parents knew the time and preparation that goes into setting up a classroom, planning lessons, and preparing for parent teacher conferences. I wish parents knew that I love their kid even when they are difficult. I wish parents knew the sacrifices we make away from our own kids and family to teach theirs. I wish parents knew that we really can tell if they are supporting their child’s education at home. I wish parents knew how many different hats we are expected to wear in one day. I wish parents knew the levels of disrespect happening at such a young age. I wish parents knew how much their child’s behavior affects others. I wish parents knew that we really are just trying to do our best and we are still humans with families and a life outside of the classroom.
  • I wish parents knew that teachers are not the enemy. We want your child to succeed, but when you don’t hold them accountable at home and don’t treat their education or the school’s time as valuable, your child sees it and develops the same impression. How you treat their teachers and education models how they feel about school.
  • How much screen time at home impacts student learning at school!
  • That we really are trying to do what’s best.

What are some ways parents/guardians have supported you in your classroom and teaching?

  • Asking if they could volunteer or asking how they could help, sending supplies, responding to emails or phone calls in a timely manner, giving feedback when I’ve asked for it and having open communication in general. If they know their child will be gone, help the student approach me so they learn those skills, but also help facilitate and follow through with me too. Your child is just that, a child. They need parents and teachers to work together.
  • I have had such amazing parents who have supported me in so many ways. Honestly, my favorite is just when parents are involved and paying attention to what’s going on at school.
  • Be involved. Sign up for things that the teacher puts out there. Come to parent teacher conferences. A simple thank you goes such a long ways.
  • Volunteering on field trips/class parties, donating supplies, working with their children at home on math & reading.
  • Parents have supported me by helping their child succeed at home which transfers to the classroom.

What are some ways you wish parents/guardians would offer/provide more support to you?

  • Ask their student to try and resolve the issue, whatever it may be, with the teacher first. If they need help, by all means… assist, but don’t do everything for them. Even if it’s an email to the teacher letting them know the situation and that you’re hoping the child approaches you. Model good relationships and communication between two adults.
  • Read the emails, be involved with your child’s learning, come to parent teacher conferences. Be patient with us. Teach your children respect and have that be the bare minimum expectation.
  • Continue to support their child by encouraging or setting up home routines that check their grades to keep them accountable and responsible and completing daily reading at home.
  • Making sure their child isn’t chronically absent, encouraging their child to read at home.
  • Pay attention and be involved.

Teachers cannot do it alone! Parent support is absolutely crucial for student success. Parent support is incredibly helpful to teachers, too. Not all parents have the time or resources to be in the classroom volunteering, but all parents can take a few minutes to read emails or papers sent home, as well as to be aware of what is happening at and with school. 


At the end of the day, parents and teachers both want the same thing– for students to succeed and be good people. Working together to achieve this is so much more effective than putting the responsibility all on one party. After all, team work makes the dream work!

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It Takes A Village

“It takes a village” is a common saying amongst parents who are referring to the many people who, in one way or another, help raise or care for their children. I love that the word “village” is used rather than “city”– “village” has such a different feel and connotation than “city”. When I think of a village, I think of a very close-knit community, full of people looking out for one another, caring for each other, and helping each other. Thoughts of a city bring to mind lots of movement, people going about their own business, every man for himself, and lots of chaos and noise. A village is a much more welcoming idea.

While parents are typically the ones known for using this common saying, the idea can absolutely be applied to schools as well. I mean, just imagine what would happen if one single person was running the show at a school! It would be nearly impossible for one person to be principal, secretary, lunchroom worker, custodian, aide, librarian, and teacher. The thought alone makes my head spin. 

Rather than placing the load on one person, the work and responsibility is spread out, with each person having their own area of responsibility. The school truly becomes a village as the staff work together to make sure the students have the best experience possible. They all have the students’ best interests in mind, are willing to jump in and help however they can, and are truly looking out for each other. 

Within a school, there are many hands to make this village run smoothly and effectively. In no particular order, some of those are:

  • Aides/Technicians/Paraprofessionals: These amazing individuals often work behind the scenes, making student and teacher life easier. They pull students for remediation, administer tests, reteach concepts, make copies, grade papers, and more. 
  • Speech Therapists/OT Therapists/SPED technicians/Other Therapists: They are constantly helping students reach their IEP goals, make progress, all while helping students gain confidence and pride in themselves!
  • Custodians: Where would we be without them?! From keeping the school clean, mowing the playground grass, shoveling walks after a snow storm, fixing things that break, and so much more, these guys and gals do so much for schools.
  • Food Service Staff: Making sure no student goes hungry, these people work tirelessly to ensure that there are enough hot meals prepped and ready for hungry bellies come lunch time. 
  • Specialist Teachers– art, music, library, PE, computers, etc.: Not only do these teachers get to do a lot of the “fun” stuff, they also help teachers by taking classes for a bit so that those teachers can plan, grade, and prepare. Specialist teachers also teach important skills that often get neglected within mainstream classrooms.
  • School Counselors: These amazing school staff members make sure that students have access to the tools and resources they need to successfully manage and navigate emotions, hard things, and frustration. They offer a listening ear, sound words of advice, and a safe place for students to land.
  • Secretaries: Another essential part of a school’s structure, secretaries handle all the “business” of the school. They take and make phone calls, track attendance, handle financial matters, and keep things running smoothly overall. They are usually the first people school visitors and parents see when they come to the school, and are there to offer a smiling face to all who come to the building.
  • Administration: Principals and vice-principals often take on the harder assignments– disciplining students, making hard phone calls to parents, managing staff member issues, and so forth. But, on the flip side, they get the chance to interact with all of the amazing students and staff at their school. They work tirelessly for their staff and students, and are constantly on the go.
  • Teachers: Where would we be without teachers? Day in and day out, they are there, ready to instruct, ready to love, and ready to take on the exhausting work that is teaching. They spend countless hours preparing lessons and activities. Their days are spent cheering their students on, managing tricky student behaviors, teaching and reteaching concepts, comforting sad students, redirecting, and so much more. Their jobs are often thankless, but the work they do is crucial. 

The next time you’re at your child’s school, be sure to take a minute and thank the village members helping to teach, nurture, and guide your child. Or, the next time you are at work, go out of your way to thank the other people in your village for the ways they help you with your students. It truly does take a village, and the village only becomes stronger as the people support and appreciate each other.

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Get to Know Your Children’s Teachers!

It’s wild to think that a new school year will be starting soon. Some have already started their new year! With the new year comes new teacher assignments, and a great opportunity to get to know those teachers! 

As a teacher, I always appreciated when parents or students took the time to think of me— it was so nice to be acknowledged! Now, as a parent, I do my best to let my kids’ teachers know that I appreciate them and their hard work. Rather than just picking a random treat at the grocery store, I always like to know exactly what they like. I also like to make sure I get something they like, want, or need to avoid food allergies or purchasing something they don’t have use for. 

When we go to back to school night, I often will take a little “welcome back to school” gift— a can of cleaning wipes, box of tissues, or something similar with a “getting to know you” survey attached. The survey can be filled out at the teacher’s convenience then sent home with your child. 

I thought I’d share the survey I give to teachers so you can get to know the wonderful people who will be teaching your kids this coming year! Just click on the “Download” button below and print off a copy of the survey. I’ve included both a color and a black and white option to fit all printing needs. 

**Printable is free, but please do not sell, re-post, or claim as your own.**

All About My TeacherDownload
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In Praise of Teachers

Today was the last day of school for my kids. We attended kindergarten graduation for one of our sons, and while we were there, I popped into my other kids’ classrooms to snap a quick picture of them with their teachers and say one more “thank you” to them. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that teachers don’t get thanked enough, so I didn’t want to end the year without them knowing that what they do matters. 

I’ve thought back on the school year and have remembered so many instances where the influence of a teacher caused a positive change. Most teachers will never know just how deeply they have impacted their students, but the parents do, and the parents remember. The students may not always remember, but their growth is proof of good teachers.

To the teachers out there, doing their best, thank you!

Thank you for sacrificing your personal time to plan, prep, and grade.

Thank you for planning engaging lessons.

Thank you for making each student feel seen and loved.

Thank you for the endless hours you spend doing your job.

Thank you for encouraging your students and cheering them on.

Thank you for celebrating the wins, and comforting during the losses.

Thank you for remembering important things about each student.

Thank you for advocating for your kids— sometimes (sadly) you’re the only one who will.

Thank you for pushing your students to be better, do better, and learn more.

Thank you for protecting your students.

Thank you for creating a safe place for kids to be.

Thank you for taking time to communicate with parents and guardians.

Thank you for welcoming all students, regardless of their background or situation.

Thank you for never giving up.

Thank you for reminding students that they are amazing, capable young people.

Thank you for instilling in them a sense of goodness and kindness.

Thank you for loving and caring.

Thank you for what you do and who you are.

So from one parent who remembers, thank you. Thank you to all the teachers out there who work hard and spend countless hours planning, prepping, teaching, grading, and caring. Your job isn’t easy: it’s exhausting, you’re underpaid, and often times, overlooked. But please know that there are parents who do see you, and who are grateful for your efforts.

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Teacher Appreciation Ideas

As the school year draws to a close, most schools will be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week sometime during the month of May. Teachers love to feel appreciated (doesn’t anyone, though?!), because too often, the amount of work they do goes unnoticed and unacknowledged. Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to celebrate the amazing teachers you know and to let them know that you do notice all the work they do! 

Here are a few ideas for simple ways to show your gratitude:

  • A heartfelt note from you and/or your child. I still have a file of all the kind notes that were given to me over my years of teaching! They are some of my most treasured possessions.
  • A gift card to their favorite restaurant
  • A gift card to the movie theater— teachers deserve a break!
  • Their favorite snack, treat, or drink
  • If they like to read, a new book might be a great gift.
  • School supplies are always needed and welcomed!
  • A gift basket with some summer essentials— a beach towel, sunscreen, and some treats!
  • A gift card to treat themselves to something at their favorite store or online shopping spot
  • Print out a cute tag that goes along with a little gift (Pinterest has SO many to choose from). I’ve added one at the bottom of this post that you’re welcome to print out and use! Just attach to a small reusable tote bag, and you’re set! I left the bottom corner open so you can write your child’s name on the tag.

From a teacher’s perspective, here are a few things to maybe think twice about before gifting (not because we’re not grateful— we are! But because some of these things can be very specific to each individual person):

  • Anything scented— some people are sensitive to scents or prefer certain scents over others.
  • Mugs— most teachers have enough mugs to fill an entire cabinet!
  • Homemade food or treats— some teachers have food allergies, and without knowing if the food contains any allergens or if there is cross-contamination, they may be hesitant to enjoy the treat. 
  • Live plants or flowers— they aren’t for everyone, and not everyone has a place to plant them or put them.

Whatever you choose to do to show your gratitude, I’m certain it will be gladly and happily accepted. It doesn’t have to be a huge, lavish gift. A simple note goes further than you might ever know. Be sure to thank the amazing teachers in your life!

Teacher Appreciation TagsDownload