If ever there were a time for showing how much we appreciate educators, the 2020-21 school year is definitely it! For more than a year now, teachers have risen to the occasion, adapting to virtual teaching, hybrid classrooms, and everything else they’ve been asked to do in their profession. Teacher Appreciation Week takes place May 3-7, 2021. It’s the perfect time for administrators, students, and parents to say “thank you” for everything teachers have done.
What Teachers Want
When it comes to thanking teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, there are certain activities and rewards that teachers will love. Some only require a small investment of time and effort, but these often mean the most. Teachers also enjoy tangible gifts, especially if they are useful or indulgent. Consider the personalities on your staff and celebrate your teachers with the kind of recognition that is meaningful to them. This can include:
- Handwritten notes from students and/or parents
- Personal notes from administrators
- Gift cards
- Fun supplies, like colorful pens
- A catered or delivered luncheon
- Yard sign at their home
- Shout-out on social media
You will want to adapt your appreciation efforts to fit your school’s current environment, whether you’re in-person, virtual, or hybrid. Educators have really stepped up during this school year and showing your appreciation can help to keep them motivated.
Teacher Appreciation Week Blowout Celebrations
For schools using PBIS Rewards, Teacher Appreciation Week can be a true celebration of the efforts and accomplishments of their staff. Teacher Rewards, included as part of the base license for PBIS Rewards, allows schools to recognize their teachers throughout the year. As the school year begins to wind down, many educators may find their energy and enthusiasm lagging just a bit. Revving up your recognition efforts during Teacher Appreciation Week can help them make the final push toward the end of the school year. Teacher Rewards can provide you with lots of valuable information about the kinds of rewards that mean the most to your staff. You can also easily see who your rock star educators are by reviewing points totals for your staff.
Just like you use PBIS Rewards for your students, you can use Teacher Rewards as part of your Teacher Appreciation Week celebration. Offer deep discounts in your staff store and let them select the rewards they want for a fraction of the points cost. Create raffles for a major reward package and let them enter to win. Whatever you decide to do, make sure your teachers feel acknowledged and appreciated for their efforts. As the 2020-21 school year comes to a close, Teacher Appreciation Week is particularly meaningful this year. Honor your teachers with a blowout celebration!
