Think about your favorite teacher. In addition to delivering excellent instruction in the classroom, he or she also makes you feel heard. When you're in their class, you know that you can ask questions, and you know that they care about you as an individual. Teachers work hard and telling them how much you appreciate their hard work can go a long way in making them feel great about the long hours they work to ensure that you get the education they need.
Let's take a look at some of the ways you can help your teachers feel appreciated:
As simple as it sounds, telling your teacher thank you at the end of class is something that they'll take to heart. This lets them know that you see and understand the hard work they put into making sure you learn.
Believe it or not, a handwritten note will likely be something your teacher will treasure for years to come. It doesn't need to be long, but it does need to be from the heart. Whether your teacher helped you through a hard time, stayed late to help you understand a concept, or celebrated an achievement and made you feel like a rock star in the classroom, let them know why they're so great at their job.
It's not about the price of the gift- it's about the thought behind it. When you choose to spend your money on a gift for your teacher, they'll be touched that you took the time to think about them. If you want to go big, get your class together and ask others to chip in a few bucks so that you can surprise your teacher together. They'll be overjoyed that you chose to honor them as a group.
You know that moment in class when everything clicks, and you finally understand the concept? Share that moment with your teacher! Saying something like, "thanks - I get it now!" or, "now it makes sense!" are great ways to let your teacher know they're doing a stellar job.
Many schools and school districts have teacher of the year awards to honor the teachers who go above and beyond in the classroom. If you have a teacher who is deserving of being honored, be sure to nominate them for the award. If you know other students feel the same way about the teacher, encourage them to nominate the teacher as well. While the award is a great surprise, simply knowing that students thought enough to give them a nomination will have your teacher flying high until the end of the year.
You may notice that sometimes other students in the class don't give your teacher the respect they deserve. As a student, you have the power to tell other students to stop disrespectful behavior. Your message will be received differently than a message from your teacher. Stepping up and being a leader in the classroom (both by example and by speaking up when someone is acting out) helps your teacher to know that they aren't alone in getting your class to the next academic level.
You appreciate your teacher - don't forget to let them know. While you know how much your teacher means to you, many teachers go months - or even years - without hearing a kind thank you from a student. When you take the time to let your teacher know that they've made a difference in your life, you'll give them the motivation they need to keep going, even on the toughest days in the classroom.
