We get it. Everybody’s got to vent. 2020 has been the most trying of times. However, when it comes to the school year, I often read posts from parents venting about all the things they wish were different for their child — this can be pretty hard on teachers. Don’t forget, many teachers are also parents of school age children and may well be feeling the same way as you. Moreover, in many districts, teachers are required to be at school while their children are at home. So, next time you're at risk of “having a moment”, try to pretend it’s opposite day!
As a teacher, I can tell you the most appreciated thing is posting a simple “thank you” — it goes a long way. Or, taking it a step further and even getting gifts for the essential educators taking care of your children. Whatever you decide, I figured I’d share some ideas with you!
1. Give a gift in honor
Donate a book, a meal, a contribution to a charity, or research to a cause you love or one you know is near and dear to a certain teacher. Send them a letter or a screenshot of the donation. They don’t need to know if it was paltry or generous. In this case, it truly is the thought that counts.
2. Do a deed
In smaller locales, where you may know where a teacher lives, you and your children could rake their leaves, shovel their snow, or leave a homemade card or letter. Make a donation to a theatre or band program that had to skip their annual fundraiser and put it “in honor of Mr. Holland,” (you caught that one, right? If not, revisit it..what a tearjerker).
3. A little luxury
If you want to give a physical gift to individual teachers, this is a great year to skip the coffee mugs. Honestly, teachers (especially those of middle and high schoolers who rarely get recognition) are delighted and moved to receive any little thing. Going in with classmates and neighbors is an economical approach to generosity. Some good ideas are:
Pampering
You can support local and provide your teachers with a little respite with a gift card to a local salon or spa.
A night off
Another option for buying local and treating teachers is gift cards to local restaurants. However, even a $5 McDonald’s gift card is welcome. They’ll think of you fondly when they run their hungry teen through the drive through, or as they sink their teeth into the indulgence of greasy sausage biscuit before firing up the Google Meet on a cold, lonely winter’s day. And yes, we dissed the coffee mugs..but not the coffee. Teachers. Always. Want. Coffee.
4. Supplies and demand
Most teachers love what they do, and they would love to do what they do without dipping into their own funds on the regular. Stock up on markers, construction paper, glue sticks, etc. Don’t forget the sanitizing wipes, either — society has reached a point of no return on that one! Drop them at the school, or have Amazon just send them straight there. Don’t limit creative supplies to the elementary schools either! That way, when it’s back to school, they’re back in business.
As far as the demand part, maybe just lessen your demands. This does not equal lowering expectations. Trust us, teachers want your students to succeed as much you do. The only demanding that should be happening is for the return of real, actual snow days, because those may be a thing of the past.
