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Show Your Appreciation for Teachers and Education “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.” said Benjamin Franklin. In order to dig out and refine that silver to its most lustrous beauty, public and private school teachers devote their time, energy, and personal income in generous ways that few people ever recognize. But that is changing. The American PTA has designated the first full week of May, this year May 1-6 as Teacher Appreciation Week. It is a time for parents, students, and the community to honor the work and commitment of teachers. There will be teas, luncheons, flowers, and fanfare for a few days. Teachers will appreciate the recognition and go about their business. But what about the rest of the year? Here are some creative ideas to honor and affirm teachers that might not come to mind. 1. Teachers spend over $1000 ( on average) per year on their classrooms. You can help by giving teachers gift certificates to teacher supply stores such as “Education Station” in Summerville, or to discount stores such as Wal-Mart or Target that offer art supplies, paper, or craft materials. 2. Teachers are book “addicts”. They spend even more of their personal income on books. Ask teachers about their favorite children’s book authors and help build a personal collection. Give gift certificates to local book stores such as “All Books & Company” that special order for teachers and give discounts to them. 3. Teachers are self-less folks. They seldom take time for themselves, but would love an afternoon of beauty. Stop by “Stella Nova” or one of our Summerville day spas and get a gift certificate for a manicure or facial. Will this send the wrong impression to a teacher? Hardly! He or she has the “inner beauty” but there’s nothing wrong with tending to the rest of it! 4. Teachers are under stress. Help them unwind. Volunteer to take the class to lunch once a month. Bring in fresh flowers or plants to make the classroom more serene. Give a favorite teacher a gift of a few classes at “The Yoga Loft” or some other quiet retreat. 5. Investigate grant or award opportunities at your workplace. Many industries and organizations have a fund set aside to give mini grants to schools or teachers that are in direct contact with employees. Teachers cannot apply for these funds. Instead, parents of their students must apply on their behalf. It could be as simple as making a phone call or faxing over a simple application form and your child’s teacher could receive a $300 award for the classroom. Inquire with your Personnel or Human Relations director. 6. Ask about volunteer or service programs in your workplace that must be directed to the community. Most national chains encourage employees to volunteer their time and may provide materials and expertise to help them do a project in a school. Does your kindergarten need a new play area? Does your middle school need a greenhouse or re-furbished computers? See how you and a team can spend quality time helping a school and earn bonus points and recognition by your workplace at the same time. 7. Don’t be afraid to nominate your child’s teacher for a local or national award. Companies like Chadwick of Boston, Jones New York, Wal-Mart, and many insurance companies sponsor significant awards for teachers that can only be tapped by appreciative parents or community members. Check out displays in stores, Internet notices, and newsletters from your insurance company or bank. You may see an opportunity to nominate a local teacher. 8. Honor your child’s teacher from past or present through the Alpha Tau ADK Teachers Sorority “Honored Educator” scholarship fund. Send a gift of any amount and you and the honored educator will receive an attractive card notifying him or her of the gift and the teacher’s name will appear on an “Honor Roll” of local Honored Educators during Teacher Appreciation Week in May 2006. Send the teacher’s name, school, and the check made out to ADK Scholarship Fund to Mrs. Kelly Kennedy at Alston Middle School, 500 Byran Street, Summerville, SC 29483. You can also honor more than one educator with a single gift. For example, one child’s middle school teacher sent a $25 gift and asked to honor all 5 of her child’s teachers. That is welcomed! If you want to do something wonderful for teachers during their special week, it is time to begin planning. The celebration is a mere 6 weeks away. For more ideas on planning a meaningful Teacher Appreciation Week for May of this year, visit the website http://www.teacher-appreciation.info/ You will be dazzled at the choices and inspired by the lists of famous teachers, quotes about teaching, and ideas for honoring educators. As Dan Rather says: “The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.”
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