In my school district, our PTSA puts on a yearly “Teacher Appreciation Week.” During Teacher Appreciation Week students make cards, art, and other symbols of gratitude for their teachers. I vividly remember this week in elementary school because usually we surprised our teacher with our cards, and so the fun was in keeping the cards a secret until the day when we shocked our teacher with a tower of homemade “Thank You’s”. Teacher Appreciation Week became an expected holiday, much like Easter or President’s Day, until Middle School when it mysteriously disappeared.
Teacher Appreciation Week faded into the abyss of other things students lose when they enter middle school, similar to notes from Mom in your lunch box and field trips. To this day I wonder, why? How?
Teacher Appreciation Week was beneficial to all members of the school community. It gave students a voice and showed them that their input and actions were important and valued in the school setting. Similarly, it let teachers know that the very people they sought to inspire and reach were in fact learning and appreciating their work.
Some would argue that every week or every day should be for Teacher Appreciation, and while I agree with this, I cannot help but enjoy the festivities that came with the special time set aside for celebrating my teachers. I would happily embrace a Teacher Appreciation Week even at my high school!
Am I alone in my desire to celebrate my teachers?
Please leave me a comment below and share how you do/would celebrate your teachers.
