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Every year, for the first full week of May, families celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers deserve our appreciation every day of the year, but having a dedicated time to share thank-you notes really drives this message home. Teachers make education so meaningful for students, families, and each other. In celebration of all that teachers do, find inspiration to write your own messages of thanks through notes from TPT Teacher-Authors.
Lead with a list of the teacher’s best traits
As Alessandra from The Unraveled Teacher demonstrates, listing out the traits and qualities of the teacher can help them feel personally appreciated. Think of the top three things that make this teacher, specifically, stand out, and list them off in your thank-you message.
Remind them how important they are
Just like the rest of us, teachers go to work to do a job every day. And sometimes, they can forget the bigger picture of the importance of that job. Use your Teacher Appreciation Week message to remind them why they chose this career and how important they are to many people.
“This is your reminder to be kind to yourself today. You’re learning and growing as a teacher, just as your students. Think about the positive impact that you’ve had on their lives, and how they wouldn’t be who they are today without your love, kindness, and support. You’re doing amazing work!”
–Amie from Glitter Meets Glue – Arts Projects and Crafts
Let them know they are seen, always
With so many students, standards, and tasks, teachers can often feel invisible. Help tackle teacher burnout by letting the teachers in your life know that you truly see them and all that they do.
“I’m here to say that we see you! We see your hard work, your passion, and your love for your students. We know that these are the things that truly matter! So, thank you, thank you, thank you, and Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!”
–Cassi from Minds in Bloom
Keep it short and impactful
As Chandra from Teacher Gameroom illustrates, even a simple statement or two can make a teacher’s day. If you struggle to find the “right” words, tell them they’re awesome, and leave it at that.
Remind them why they do what they do
Christine from Autism Classroom Resources-Christine Reeve shows that a small reminder of a teacher’s big impact can go a long way.
Highlight the difference they make inside and outside the classroom
Teachers put in the hard work inside the classroom and outside the classroom. Take this opportunity to highlight all the ways they make a difference in people’s lives.
“As a former teacher of 17 years, I know how hard you work. And as a current principal, I know that you are what keeps our schools and communities running. Thank you all for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to making our students — and the world — a better place through education. You are the ones who truly make a difference in the lives of all our youth. Thank you for all you do.”
-Dan from Mr. Mault’s Marketplace
Give them a pep talk to push through the end of the year with positivity
Teacher Appreciation Week falls at a time when the school year is winding down, arguably one of the toughest times for teachers. Use your message to provide some motivation that will help a teacher end the year with strength and positivity.
“Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate everything that you do! Your kids appreciate everything you do. And even though the job can be hard and stressful, it’s still a great job, and still the most important job out there. And hey! We’re almost at the end of the year. Let’s go!”
–David Rickert
Tell them what you are thanking them for, specifically
Teachers will see lots of thank-you messages this week. Make yours stand out by getting specific about what you are thanking them for.
“Thank you for being the teacher you are. Thank you for inspiring and motivating students every day. We see you going that extra mile. We are rooting for you! We just wanted to say that we appreciate you and all that you do. Have a wonderful end of the school year!” -Jacqueline from The Little Ladybug Shop
Get creative with messages
Teachers infuse lessons with creativity all the time to help engage their students. Give them the same treatment by getting creative with the way you write your thank-you message. Consider writing a short poem, making the message into a crossword puzzle, or writing it in a code for the teacher to decipher.
“Roses are red, violets are bright, teachers like you make learning a delight. In every lesson, patience and care, for all that you do, nothing can compare. Happy Teachers Day!”
-Jacqueline from Mrs. J’s Resource Creations
Call out what makes them inspirational
If you’ve been inspired by a teacher, let them know how they inspired you or what they inspired in you. This level of specificity helps make messages feel much more personal.
“I just want to stop by and say in a world with endless challenges, you truly stand as beacons of inspiration! So to all of our hardworking teachers: thank you, thank you, thank you, for your unwavering dedication, passion, and tireless efforts in shaping minds and nurturing souls. You truly do make a difference every day. Thank you for all you do. You’re awesome.”
-John from Created by MrHughes
Notice the challenges they face
Sometimes, recognizing the challenges a teacher faces helps make a thank you feel more relatable.
“We work in a thankless job, so let me be the first to say how much I appreciate you, from one educator to another. What you do does not go unnoticed, so thank you for all that you do!”
–Keri Brown
Help them feel valued
Take your thank-you messages a step further, and let a teacher know how and why you value them and what they do.
“Teachers, it’s us as educators that understand how much impact we have, not only on our students, but for parents, for the community, and the future. I hope you know that you are appreciated, you are valued. Continue shining and inspiring and let’s continue to cheer each other on.”
-Margaret from My Call To Teach
Let them feel some love
As Mel of From the Pond illustrates, it’s okay to share your love for a teacher if that’s how you truly feel.
Call out how they impact their classroom
Teachers work hard to build community in the classroom, so let them know you see all that they’ve achieved inside those four walls.
“We are so thankful for everything that you’re doing in the classroom and in the schools that you work in. Everything that you do for kids is so meaningful and powerful. And we’re so appreciative that you put your heart and soul into teaching. Your kids are super lucky to have you and so are we! Thank you, and Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!”
-Mikey from Mikey D Teach SELebration Learning
Tell them how awesome they are
As Misty Miller shows us, simply telling a teacher they are amazing can make them feel appreciated.
Measure their impact
Like Monica Parsons, you can use specific terms, like measurements, to highlight the impact a teacher has had or your level of appreciation.
Make multiple notes
As Nicole from BrowniePoints shows, Teacher Appreciation Week notes can be multiple messages from one person.
Go ahead with group messages
Teachers often work in teams, so go ahead and thank them all as a unit.
“I just wanted to say thank you for all that you do. Teachers are amazing. You guys always go above and beyond for your students, so great job!”
-Sherry from World Language Cafe
Thank a Teacher Alongside TPT
From all of us at Team TPT, we want to say a huge “Thank you!” to all teachers. We’re always so inspired by, and grateful for, the work that you do. If you’re feeling inspired to thank a teacher today, teacher appreciation note templates can help you get started!