This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and while it is always important to recognize teachers and how much they do, this year is especially significant. The global pandemic, known as COVID-19, interrupted the school year and took many of us by surprise. Many teachers have worked around the clock to move their class to an online format, while supporting their students who equally have had difficulty adjusting to these sudden changes. Additionally, many students will be graduating this year without the opportunity to say goodbye to their favorite teachers. Although social distancing prevents students from being able to show their teacher appreciation in person, there are still plenty of options to thank teachers for everything they have done. Here are some ideas that you as a student, parent, or administrator, can use to thank your teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week:

Note: Always check with the teacher first before sending anything.

Put Together a Gift Basket

One way to say thank you is to put together a gift basket of the teacher’s favorite things. Additionally, you could add in some classroom supplies to help get them started for the next school year. Remember that any gift, big or small, will be greatly appreciated. One easy idea would be a gift card to a coffee shop inside a new mug. If you want to get creative, make a bigger gift basket with some chocolate, a travel cup, hand sanitizer, and a candle.

Write a Letter

In today’s world where everything is done from behind a screen, people often forget the impact of a handwritten “thank you” card. A handwritten card shows that you took the time to thank them and that you mean it sincerely. It does not have to be long, but make sure to provide some examples of things they did that you are thankful for. If this is your child’s teacher, you could have them write it and decorate it to their liking.

Get the Whole Class Involved

If you are a parent or an administrator, a good idea would be to get the whole class involved in a thank-you activity. One way to do this would be to have parents record a video of their child saying their thanks to their teacher, pile it together in one video and email it to them. Since social distancing makes it difficult to do any group activities, this is perfect because it is purely virtual. There is truly nothing more special than a gift like this!

Dedicate a Social Media Post

During Teacher Appreciation Week, you can use the social media hashtag #ThankATeacher to share how teachers have brightened your child’s life. Many people are doing this right now on social media in order to show their thanks to the teachers that work hard to educate their children. You could even add a photo of your child holding up a “thank you” sign to make it more special. Additionally, National Teacher Day is May 6th this year. Wear red to recognize teachers and post a picture using the hashtag #RedForEd.

Send Flowers

This is a simple, but greatly appreciated gift. If you do not have the ability to get to a store, or you want to be able to send something quickly, flowers may be the way to go. Many online companies are doing specials on flowers and edible arrangements for National Teachers Week and Mother’s Day that is also coming up. This is an easy way to thank a teacher without having to even leave your house.

Remember at the end of the day that a gift from the heart is what matters most! Although learning is remote and social distancing is important, it does not mean you cannot show appreciation for the teachers you know. At the end of the day, saying “thank you” is what matters the most.

AIR Training Solutions would like to express our appreciation and gratitude for all of the educators who have inspired and helped so many. Receive a $25 Restaurant.com electronic gift card for every $30 purchased using the promo code: TEACHER20. Offer valid 05/05/20-05/09/20. Electronic gift cards will be emailed on Monday, May 11, 2020.