Our friends at Technology in Education polled their Facebook audience about holiday gift ideas for teachers. In addition to gift cards and homemade treats, there was a suggestion about a Letter of Appreciation. Even better, was a follow up suggestion to cc: the principal and superintendent on that letter, since formal recognition happens so infrequently.
What a fantastic idea to support our teachers! Shall we get started? I’ll write up a draft, and if you like the idea, you can take it and customize it as necessary.
Teacher Appreciation Letter
Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. ___________________,
Every day, you meet our children on the front lines of their learning curve. In a full classroom, you take the time to reach out to each individual student, and relate to their unique circumstances. Sometimes you are answering 20 questions per minute, and sometimes you are grading 40 papers per night. Whatever the case, your presence and dedication is moving the ball forward for each child in the classroom.
Parents may mention a word of thanks at the classroom parties, or “have a nice weekend” on a Friday afternoon. But what we are really thinking is “how in the heck do you pull this off with so many kids, day after day?” Please know that the average parent, who has never taught before, is in awe of you, and would like to communicate how much you are appreciated.
[INSERT SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF TEACHING TECHNIQUES, NOTABLE MOMENTS, OR SPECIFIC PROGRESS YOUR CHILD HAS EXPERIENCED IN THEIR CLASSROOM. DON’T HOLD BACK!]
Thank you so much for choosing to teach, and for making a difference. Wishing you a warm and relaxing holiday season.
Sincerely,
[Parent Name]
cc: Principal of School
cc: Superintendent of School District
Resources: Summary post on more gift ideas for teachers, therapists, and educators
I think this is a great idea and would certainly be appreciated. As a parent I am just wondering how I can get specific information on my child’s teacher’s teaching techniques. My child has a disability and part of that involves thought processes, communication and memory. I often know nothing of what happens for days on end.
I agree teachers deserve a lot of recognition and reinforcement for their commitment to the children as well as their chosen profession.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for chiming in. Indeed, this is a different circumstance because it’s probably tougher to gauge progress and outcomes. In that case, maybe you observe something more subtle, like attitude or behavior. Anything you can attribute to the teacher’s efforts as being an overall “help” to the family. –Lorraine