Romy Keper works in schools as a speech pathologist in Long Island, New York, giving her a front seat to the dedication and emotional work required to teach. Through her small business, CharTEACHerie Gift Boards, she shares that understanding with meaningful, personalized gifts that help teachers feel seen, appreciated, and valued.
We loved Romy’s Instagram, which is full of great gifts for teacher boards, and we wanted to know more. Check out this Q&A to learn more about his teacher appreciation business. Plus, he has a few tips for those crafty folks who want to make their own.
Q: What inspired you to create your first CharTEACHerie board?
CharTEACHerie began as a way to combine two of my greatest passions: gifted and supportive teachers. My first board was a truly “from the heart” idea, and when I saw how meaningful it felt to the teacher who received it, I knew I was on to something special.
As a speech-language pathologist who works in schools, I see firsthand how much energy teachers put into their students every day without getting any recognition. That’s why I wanted to create a more meaningful way to show appreciation to teachers than the usual mug or candle.
Q: How did you come up with the term “CharTEACHerie,” and when did it start to catch on?
The name is a play on “charcuterie,” but with a teacher theme. I loved the idea of a curated board filled with only the things teachers use every day, so CharTEACHerie just clicked.
It took off when teachers started sharing their boards online and parents saw how unique and customized they were. Word of mouth in the academic community is incredibly powerful.
Q: What does your creative process look like when you build a board from start to finish?
It usually starts with a teacher or an event in mind. I gather information about their personality, interests, teaching style, and general tastes. Then I start collecting fun and useful things for the recipient. I love mixing useful items with little surprises that speak to each recipient individually.
The last step is to carefully arrange everything on the board – the presentation is as important as the items themselves.
Q: What are some of your favorite boards to make?
Honestly, I love the process of putting them all together. But I really like boards that are more personalized and targeted.
For example, when I made a set of whiteboards for a legal team during Management Professionals Week, each team member received a beautiful wooden gavel and justice pens, both of which were really fun to buy. Sports- or holiday-themed boards are also great because I have so many options to choose from. I also made boards for a few celebrities and content creators, which was an unexpected treat.
Q: What kinds of things do you usually include, and how do you choose them?
I include a combination of:
- Everyday school supplies
- Snacks and treats
- Self care items
- A personal touch
Add-ons like Amazon or coffee shop gift cards are always a nice touch, and can help tie everything together. I choose items based on utility, quality, and enjoyment. If it makes a teacher smile or makes their day, it’s worth it.
Q: What is the most memorable request you received from the board?
One memorable request was a board designed for a teacher’s favorite book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar. All the snacks, accessories, and touches were based on the story and the transition from caterpillar to butterfly. Hearing how the teacher felt after finding something personal for her reminded me why I do this.
Q: Any tips for someone wanting to make their own CharTEACHerie board?
Start with a theme or color palette and gather information about the recipient of the board. Think about balance: something useful, something fun, and something sweet.
Never underestimate a presentation—ribbons, fillers, and good organization make all the difference.
Q: What are the budget-friendly strategies?
Dollar stores, thrift stores, and shopping in bulk definitely help me stay within my price range. Use fillers like wrapping paper or tissue to add length and fullness.
Group small items together to convey abundance, such as a pencil cup that’s great for holding small items like paper clips, glue sticks, pens, scissors, or highlighters.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about teacher appreciation?
Small gestures go a long way, and appreciation doesn’t have to be expensive. Recognition only needs to be genuine, rather than passive.
For management: Strong leadership is felt the moment you enter the school. It lives in the tone of the hallways, the character of the staff, and the way students show up each day.
Instead of sending an email indicating that the teacher made too many copies (for their students!), imagine sending one that says: “Thank you for coming early to help prepare for the meeting.” That kind of recognition not only brightens someone’s day—it inspires them. Teachers remember how leadership makes them feel, and that feeling is felt in every classroom.
For parents and guardians: Please do not allow calls to the school to be complaints only. When the teacher goes above and beyond, say something, in writing, to show your appreciation. Email the principal. CC superintendent.
Teachers care for your children every day—academically, socially, and emotionally. A few words of gratitude can mean more than you realize.
CharTEACHerie isn’t just about giving, it’s about seeing the human element within the classroom. When teachers feel important, students feel it too. Appreciation comes from the outside.
Q: Is there anything else students should know?
CharTEACHerie is truly a love project based on kindness and community. I look forward to growing relationships with schools, PTAs, and like-minded small businesses. My goals include more creative collaborations, more meaningful giving, and more opportunities to spread joy.
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