Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated annually during the first week of May to honor teachers and school staff. This holiday is a great opportunity to recognize the efforts of teachers and the contributions they make in our communities.

By now, colleges and universities are back in the swing of things. For most Michigan colleges, students are already into their second week of class! Although it may seem like school just got started, Student Affairs professionals and student workers have been hard at work on campus for weeks! Resident Assistant and Orientation Leaders were on campus long ahead of the start of classes to help freshmen, and new and returning students transition into the new school year. I know from experience that it is an exhausting but fulfilling job!

Now that students are moved into campus, take the time to thank your student leaders. By letting them know you appreciate their efforts, they’ll be more likely to help out in the future – and recruit additional help for next year! Here are a few ideas for thanking your student leaders:

Have a pizza party. Nothing gets through to a college student more than food! Invite your entire team to a pizza party and spend time socializing and reminiscing of the pre-school fun. Take a moment before diving into the food to verbally thank all their efforts. 

Send a card. Even in our digital and email-prominent society, a tangible card delivered in the mail still makes a big impression! Write a personal thank you card to each student you worked with. For an extra special treat, include a $5 gift card to a campus coffee house or iTunes. 

Choose a Character Pin. Appreciation is most memorable and effective when it’s personal to the recipient. That’s why I love Character Pins. There are so many options, you can find a pin that “perfectly” describes each member of your team. Spend some time reading all the stories, and choose a pin that fits each student. Present the pins at a staff meeting and read the stories aloud. This will be a moment your staff will remember!

Summer is almost over, and most teachers and school staff are already preparing for the back to school rush. Returning to school can be difficult for students and staff alike as they move from vacation-filled days to homework, assignments, and meetings.

Ease the transition for everyone by using these five appreciation tips for teachers, students, and staff. Letting the members of your school know you’re excited to see them in the fall will make them excited for the school year, too!

The school year is coming to a close, and both teachers and students are looking forward to their summer vacations! Before school is out for summer, it’s important to thank the teachers for their hard work and dedication. After all, they spend a lot of time with your child!

When you package your end of the school year teacher gift, be sure to include a personal note or card. A handwritten note that mentions specific moments from the school year will make a huge impression on the teacher. Long after the gift has been used, the handwritten thank you will remain as a touching tribute to the teacher. You can also attach one of our free printable teacher appreciation Print and Posts for a fun appreciation message.

Here are five end of the school year teacher appreciation ideas that will say thanks:

1. School Supplies Tower.
Teachers are always in need of more school supplies! At the end of the school year, refill your teacher’s supply cabinets with crayons, notebooks, pencils, rulers, and more. Your teacher ill appreciate the practical gift, and the unique presentation will make the gift memorable! You can find several arrangements of this teacher appreciation idea on our Gifts for Teachers Pinterest board. 

2. Fun in the Sun.
Help your teacher get ready for a relaxing summer with a summer-themed gift. Arrange a beach towel, sunscreen, flip flops, and magazines or paperback books in a beach tote. You could also include a gift card to a local bookstore, so the teacher can choose her own beach reading or buy supplies for the classroom. Your teacher will be able to take the bag directly to the beach for some light reading and time in the sun! 

These teacher appreciation ideas are better than an apple!

3. Class Pictures.
For a truly personal end of the school year teacher appreciation idea, utilize pictures of the class from the school year. You can frame a class picture in an engraved photo frame with a personal message for the teacher, create a photo book, or work with a group of students to make a photo collage. 

Teacher Appreciation Week kicked off yesterday, and that means today, the Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week, is National Teacher Day!

We’ve all had teachers who have made a difference in our lives either through their unique teacher style, personalized encouragement, or caring heart. Regardless of the last time you were in a classroom, you’re never too old to thank a teacher!

Take a moment this week to express your appreciation for a special teacher you had growing up or a teacher who’s currently working wonders with your child. Saying thank you is free, but the value is priceless!

Here are four ways you can say thank you on National Teacher Day:

1. Send an ePraise. Our free ecard system is perfect for sending a note to a former teacher. All you need is their email address and a quick personal note from you. We even have Teacher Appreciation designs! 

2. Post a Tweet. The National Education Association is encouraging both current and former students to send tweets with the hashtag #thankateacher.  They recommend these sample tweets:
o If you can write your name, #thankateacher
o If you followed your dreams, #thankateacher
o If you can read, #thankateacher