18.8K
Every year, on the first full week of May, families celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers deserve our thanks every day of the year, but having a dedicated time to share thank you notes drives this message home. Teachers make education meaningful for students, families and each other. In celebration of all that teachers do, get inspired to write your own thank-you messages with notes from TPT Teacher-Authors.
Lead with a list of the teacher’s best features
As Alessandra from The Unraveled Teacher points out, listing the characteristics and qualities of a teacher can help them feel valued. Think of the top three things that make this teacher, in particular, stand out, and write them in your thank you message.
Remind them how important they are
Like the rest of us, teachers go to work to do a job every day. And sometimes, they can forget the bigger picture of the importance of that work. Use your Teacher Appreciation Week message to remind them why they chose this profession and how important they are to so many people.
“This is your reminder to be kind to yourself today. You are learning and growing as a teacher, just like your students. Think about the positive impact you have had on their lives, and how they would not be who they are today without your love, kindness, and support. You are doing an amazing job!”
–Amie from Glitter Meets Glue – Arts & Crafts Projects
Since they are visible, always
With so many students, standards, and tasks, teachers can often feel invisible. Help deal with teacher burnout by letting the teachers in your life know that you really see them and everything they do.
“I’m here to say that we see you! We see your hard work, your passion, and your love for your students. We know that these are really important things!
–Cassi from Minds in Bloom
Keep it short and to the point
As Chandra from Teacher Gameroom points out, even a simple statement or two can make a teacher’s day. If you’re trying to find the “right” words, tell them they’re cute, and leave it at that.
Remind them why they do what they do
Christine from Autism Classroom Resources-Christine Reeve shows that a small reminder of a teacher’s great influence can go a long way.
Highlight the difference they make inside and outside the classroom
Teachers work hard inside and outside the classroom. Take this opportunity to highlight all the ways it makes a difference in people’s lives.
“As a former teacher of 17 years, I know how hard you work. And as a current principal, I know that you are what keeps our schools and communities running. I thank all of you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to making our students – and the world – a better place through education. You are the ones who truly make a difference in the lives of all our young people. Thank you for all you do.”
-Dan from Mr Mault’s Market
Give them a pep talk to push through the end of the year with a positive outlook
Teacher Appreciation Week comes at the end of the school year, arguably one of the most difficult times for teachers. Use your message to provide some motivation that will help the teacher end the year strong and positive.
“I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate everything you do! Your kids appreciate everything you do. And even though work can be hard and stressful, it’s still great work, and it’s still the most important work. And hey! It’s almost the end of the year. Let’s go!”
–David Rickert
Tell them what you’re thankful for, specifically
Teachers will see many thank you messages this week. Make yours stand out by being specific about what you’re thankful for.
“Thank you for being the teacher you are. Thank you for inspiring and encouraging students every day. We see you walking that day. We are rooting for you! We wanted to say we appreciate you and all you do. Have a great end to the school year!” -Jacqueline from The Little Ladybug Shop
Get creative with messages
Teachers are creatively introducing lessons all the time to help engage their students. Give them the same treatment by being creative in the way you write your thank you message. Consider writing a short poem, making a message into a word puzzle, or coding it for the teacher to interpret.
“Red roses, blue roses, teachers like you make learning fun. In every lesson, patience and care, in everything you do, nothing can compare. Happy Teacher’s Day!”
-Jacqueline from Mrs J’s Resource Creations
Name what motivates them
If you were inspired by a teacher, let him know how he inspired you or what he inspired in you. This level of specificity helps make messages feel more personal.
“I want to pass and say that in a world with endless challenges, you stand as truly inspiring lights! So to all our hardworking teachers: thank you, thank you, thank you, for your unwavering dedication, passion, and tireless efforts in shaping minds and caring for souls. You truly make a difference every day. Thank you for all you do. You are wonderful.”
-John from Created by MrHughes
Be aware of the challenges they face
Sometimes, recognizing the challenges a teacher faces helps make gratitude feel more relatable.
“We work a thankless job, so let me be the first to say how much I appreciate you, from one teacher to another. What you do shows up, so thank you for everything you do!”
– Keri Brown
Help them feel important
Take your thank you messages to the next level, and tell the teacher how you appreciate them and why you appreciate them and what they are doing.
“Teachers, we as teachers understand how much contribution we have, not only to our students but also to parents, society and the future, I hope you know that you are appreciated, appreciated, keep shining and encouraging each other and let’s keep making each other happy.”
-Margaret from My Call to Teach
Let them feel some love
As Mel of From the Pond shows, it’s okay to share your passion with teachers if that’s how you really feel.
Call out how they affect their class
Teachers work hard to build community in the classroom, so let them know that you see all that they have achieved within those four walls.
“We are so grateful for all you do in the classroom and in the schools you work in. Everything you do for children is meaningful and powerful. And we are so grateful that you put your heart and soul into teaching. Your children are so lucky to have you and so are we! Thank you, and Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!”
-Mikey from Mikey D Teach SELebration Learning
Tell them how scary they are
As Misty Miller shows us, simply telling a teacher they’re amazing can make them feel loved.
Measure their impact
Like Monica Parsons, you can use specific terms, such as ratings, to highlight the impact a teacher has had or your level of appreciation.
Make lots of notes
As Nicole from BrowniePoints points out, Teacher Appreciation Week notes can be many messages from one person.
Continue with group messages
Teachers often work in groups, so go ahead and thank them all as a unit.
“I wanted to thank you for everything you do. The teachers are amazing. You guys always go above and beyond for your students, great job!”
-Sherry from World Language Cafe
Thank You Teacher for TPT Compliant
From all of us at Team TPT, we want to say a big “Thank you!” to all teachers. We are always inspired by, and grateful for, the work you do. If you’re feeling inspired to thank a teacher today, these teacher appreciation note templates can help you get started!
