Teacher Appreciation Week
I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.
— ALEXANDER THE GREAT
May 6th – 10th is Teacher Appreciation Week in the US.
First officially recognized in 1985, Teacher Appreciation Week reminds us of the important job teachers are tasked with: educating our young people and helping prepare them for their adult lives. During the week, your child might want to give a gift to his/her teacher(s) to show gratitude. Below is a list of some “dos and don’ts” for Teacher Appreciation gifts:
- DO: Think outside the box.
Teachers receive dozens of “#1 Teacher” coffee mugs over the years, so try to think of something more unique. Of course, your child’s teacher will likely appreciate the gift regardless of its uniqueness. - DO: Work with your child to make the gift.
Homemade gifts can be more personal and more heartfelt than store-bought items. Try picture frames, books or pictures that your child drew. - DON’T: Get too expensive.
Remember that this gift should be a small token of gratitude, not the kind of gift you would give to your spouse on a 10th wedding anniversary. While this might seem absurd, there have been cases of parents using lavish gifts to attempt to influence teachers to raise grades. - DON’T: Over think it.
You shouldn’t be spending the week at the mall trying to pick out the perfect gift or forcing your son or daughter to construct a portrait of their teacher out of macaroni.
TMIB and its staff wish to thank all of the wonderful teachers who have guided us and helped us throughout our lives.