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When it comes to parent group tasks, teacher appreciation activities are some of the most rewarding. In fact, it’s sometimes hard to tell who enjoys teacher appreciation more—the staff members who receive expressions of gratitude or the PTO leaders who have so much fun putting together the plans. We’ve rounded up information, ideas, and tips to help make your efforts the best yet.
When Is Teacher Appreciation Week 2024?
Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated during the first full week of May each year. In 2024, it’s May 6-10.
When Is Teacher Appreciation Day?
Also called National Teacher Day, it falls on the Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week—May 7, 2024.
First, the Plan
It’s worth taking some time to think about the big picture—what does your group want to do for teacher appreciation? Consider the overall personality of your community. Would the teachers like one big luncheon celebration (costumes, props, etc.) or a low-key approach with a small gift for each staff person?
Teacher Appreciation Staff Survey
Teacher Appreciation Supplies Checklist
Teacher Appreciation Done Right
Next, the Budget (or Not)
Some groups have a line item on the budget for teacher appreciation expenses. But many don’t have any extra funds for it. No worries—teacher appreciation lends itself to homemade gifts and acts of kindness that have no cost but a person’s time.
13 Teacher Appreciation Ideas for $5 or Less
Teacher Appreciation on $100 or Less
10 Teacher Appreciation Gifts That Don’t Cost Anything
Quick and Easy Appreciation Gifts
Get Creative
Teacher appreciation is a time to let your artistic side shine. For those who need some help motivating that inner creative genius, we have you covered.
Taylor Swift Teacher Appreciation Celebration
Teacher Treat Trolley Cart Ideas (includes Canva templates and shopping list by theme)
Stock the Teachers' Lounge: Meme Edition (includes printable memes)
Creative Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Teacher Appreciation #WaterTok Hydration Station (includes teacher theme drink recipes and printables)
Friends-themeTeacher Appreciation Celebration
Teacher Appreciation Charcuterie Cups
Classroom Door Decoration Ideas and Tips
Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas for Every Day
41 Teacher Appreciation Ideas They’ll Love
Teacher Appreciation Ideas From the Trenches
54 Ways To Show Teacher Appreciation (our best planning tools, tips, and ideas; free with email)
Teacher Appreciation Ideas at a Distance
Go Big
If you have the time and money for a larger effort, impress everyone with a staff lounge makeover or a supply cake with all the supplies your teachers will need.
Teachers Lounge Makeover Tips
How To Make a School Supply Cake
Last-Minute Ideas
It’s not a problem if your group hasn’t planned out its appreciation activities. Many people thrive when a deadline is looming and get great results.
Last-Minute Teacher Appreciation Ideas
15 Easy Teacher Gifts for Your Teacher Appreciation Goody Bags
Themed Teacher Treat Trolley Cart Ideas (includes printables)
Great Ideas From Contest Winners
More Easy Teacher Appreciation Ideas
It’s the Thought That Counts
Printable Forms: Organizing Your Teacher Appreciation Activities
Our free, customizable files can help you request volunteers, promote your event, and show teachers you care.
Room Service Menu for Teacher Appreciation
Teacher Appreciation Certificate version 1
Appreciation Certificate version 2
Teacher Appreciation Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet
Meal Checklist Sign-Up Sheet
Appreciation Breakfast Potluck Flyer
Appreciation Poems
Consider providing teachers with sweet poems that express how special they are.
The Candy Poem
Marvelous and Magnificent Teacher Poem (works with M&M candies)
Teacher Appreciation Poem and Craft
Fun Gift Tags and Labels
Download and customize our free gift tags and attach them to small gifts to give teachers a virtual hug and a chuckle.
A Year's Worth of Appreciation: Gift Tags and Signs (FreeMega Bundle)
Doughnut tag
Hand lotion tag
Popcorn tag
Jam jar tag
“O-FISH-ally the best” tag
Coffee tag
“Get out of recess duty” card
Window-washing card
For a complete list of all our downloadables, including even more gift tags for erasers, scissors, iced tea, and more, check out the Teacher Appreciation File Exchange.
Clip Art and Other Images
Bring a little something extra to cards, notes, and emails with clip art and graphic quotes.
Teacher Appreciation Word Cloud poster
Teacher Appreciation Clip Art for newsletters, emails, and flyers
Event Themes
Teachers really love a teacher appreciation celebration with a fun theme. Plus, having a theme helps organizers because it simplifies planning and purchases.
Taylor Swift Teacher Appreciation Celebration
Friends-themeTeacher Appreciation Celebration
Teacher Treat Trolley Cart Ideas (includes Ted Lasso!): includes Canva template signsand shopping lists for each theme
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Themes
Superhero-Theme Teacher Appreciation Printable Pack (free download with email): event announcement, invitation, poster, table tents, water bottle labels, photo booth props, and iron-on transfers
Red Carpet-Theme Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Tools: flyer, invitation, letter, and table tent
Western-Theme Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Tools: flyer, invitation, letter, and table tent
Fiesta-Theme Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Tools: flyer, invitation, letter, and table tent
Luau-Theme Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Tools: flyer, invitation, letter, and table tent
One Final Note: Teacher Appreciation at the Holidays
You don’t need to worry about the holiday season now. But tuck away these ideas for next school year!
Holiday Gifts To Give Teachers: What They Really Want
Gift Tags for Teacher Gift Wrapping Service
Holiday Gift Card Holder
Candy Cane Note
Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipe Cards
“Cheers” tags
“Relax” tags
“Merry and Bright” tags
The Ultimate List of Midyear Teacher Appreciation Ideas
Originally posted in 2014 and updated regularly.
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