Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to thank teachers for the lasting impact they make on your student!
Learn more about the history of this special week and how you can show appreciation for the teachers who are making a difference.
When is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Day (May 5) kicks off a whole week where teachers take center stage. Students, parents, and the greater community come together to recognize and uplift the incredible educators who inspire students to succeed.
There are several ways that people come together to honor the teachers in their lives. It could be as easy as throwing a party for your child’s teacher or giving them a special gift. You can also get involved by supporting or donating to teacher funds that provide much needed support for high-performing educators.
Why is Teacher Appreciation Week Important?
In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt urged Congress to set aside a single day to recognize America’s educators. While it was initially recognized and championed by Congress, it was not designated as an annual holiday until 1980, where it was celebrated on March 7.
In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association designated the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week. Teacher Appreciation Day was moved to May to align with this week-long celebration.
Teachers play an essential role in shaping the futures of young learners. In addition to teaching kids crucial skills like literacy and math, they teach their students how to think critically, how to collaborate with others, and how to overcome obstacles. These are lessons that students will carry with them even after they graduate!
Gift Ideas Perfect for Teacher Appreciation Week
What makes a good gift for Teacher Appreciation Week? There are lots of ways to show your appreciation for teachers:
- Letters and thank you notes: Handwritten letters and notes can be extremely meaningful for teachers. Write a message about the impact they’ve made on you and your child. Teachers will appreciate re-reading the thank you notes for motivation on tough days.
- Handmade gifts: Looking for a more creative way to express your appreciation? Work with your child to create a handmade gift for their teacher. Paint a classroom banner or poster with a quote related to the class subject, craft your own magnets for your teacher’s whiteboard, or make a bouquet of pens or pencils.
- School supplies: Items like dry erase markers, pencils, cleaning supplies, and tissues get used up quickly. Take some stress out of your teacher’s day by surprising them with extra supplies for their classroom.
- Volunteer: Are there opportunities to volunteer at your child’s school? For example, can you sign up to read to the class or chaperone for an upcoming field trip? Ask your child’s teacher how you can get more involved!
- Donate: Donating to your school is a great way to show teachers that you care and appreciate what they do. At BASIS Charter Schools, every campus has an Annual Teacher Fund that directly supports teachers through performance-based compensation. Learn more about the Annual Teacher Fund program and donate today.
- Join a booster club: Give back to your school by joining a parent Booster Club! Members of Booster Clubs plan school events, volunteer on campus, and organize fundraisers. Learn more about parent Booster Clubs at BASIS Charter Schools.
How BASIS Charter Schools Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week
Schools across the BASIS Charter Schools network are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week in creative ways. We love seeing our students and families come together to support our teachers while strengthening our school culture and community!
Many of our schools, including BASIS Peoria and BASIS Oro Valley, host community potlucks or provide catered lunch for teachers. Over at BASIS Scottsdale Primary West, students buy flowers for teachers. Each flower comes with a personalized gift tag, so students can write a message to their favorite teacher. Meanwhile, BASIS Baton Rouge Materra raffles off prizes and gift cards for teachers.
BASIS teachers are instrumental in making us the #1 School Network in the U.S. We love celebrating our teachers’ successes whenever possible. Read about their stories and individual wins to see the impact they have on our students.
Want to learn more about our incredible teachers? BASIS Charter Schools is committed to hiring teachers who are experts in their subject matter and passionate about instilling a love of learning in our students. Find a BASIS Charter School near you and schedule a tour today to see our classrooms in action.
