Teacher Appreciation 101

Disclosure: VolunteerSpot.com asked me to write this article.  My “pay” is a $25 donation to DonorsChoose.org, which I will be matching with a $25 donation of my own.

It’s back to school season (as if you didn’t know).  My own little lovelies have been back to it for a few weeks now, but I am still seeing “first day” photos flooding my facebook feed.

Every year I am in awe of the job that teachers do. Not only do they teach our children math and reading, but they love them, and guard them, and help them develop socially.  They tie shoes, wipe noses, zip coats, open milk cartons, and deal with a whole host of allergies, and behavioral issues, and spectrum disorders.

Really, there’s no adequate way to thank them.  But we can damn sure try.  Here’s a little roundup up fun ideas:

First, start off with this Printable Teacher Questionnaire from Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus.  It’ll give you lots of clues about what your child’s teacher likes!

My friends Shannon and Gwen over at NWA Motherlode have the low-down on what teachers DON’T want, as well as a great list of items that teachers love, and ideas on where you can get them locally .

I love this list of 50 Gift Ideas from Actual Teachers compiled by Christi over at Love From the Oven.

Carmella over at Southern Fried Gal has a really cute and inexpensive gift idea that will be perfect this October!

A few years ago I created this Money Bouquet as the class gift to my daughter’s teacher.  See my earlier post to get info on how to make it plus, see more ideas on quick and easy teacher gifts.

Another great way to help teachers is to volunteer at school. We all know these educators are overworked, so it really helps to have someone come in and wrangle the copy machine.  And I can give you 5 OTHER Reasons to Volunteer at School too.

AND Finally, you can help teachers out by winning this contest!  Enter the VolunteerSpot Back-to-Cool Sweeps and win BIG for you AND your teacher! With $500 Get Inspired! grants from McGraw-Hill, $25 Target eGift-cards, a $250 Soap.com gift card and Blue Avocado lunch kits up for grabs – everyone wins! The deadline is SEPTEMBER 9th, so hurry over and enter to win some goods for your favorite teacher and school!

Disclosure: VolunteerSpot.com asked me to write this article.  My “pay” is a $25 donation to DonorsChoose.org, which I will be matching with a $25 donation from my own pocket.

Related posts:

Back to School: Volunteering 5 OTHER Reasons to Volunteer with PTA