Teachers and coaches serve an important role in our community because they are helping to build the next generation. Since educators sometimes may feel under appreciated, it is important to show them appreciation.
“We get forgotten about a lot because people think that we have the summer off,” says Monique Swain, eighth grade intervention specialist at I Promise School in Akron. “They don’t realize that we are prepping for the next school year and a lot of us work with our students all year long. So that is a real blessing to have somebody really think about the teachers.”
What gifts do teachers most appreciate?
Homemade gifts – Swain says that as a teacher she appreciates any gift that’s given from the heart.
“I have pictures students drew or painted from when I started teaching in 2008 until now,” she says. “I even have a crocheted scarf that the parents of my first student made for me.”
Supplies – Some of the most appreciated gifts are things many parents don’t consider to be gifts. Teachers love when parents bring in the necessities that the classroom tends to run out of. These are things like tissues, pens, pencils, notebooks, snacks, and other miscellaneous classroom supplies. With so many teachers buying supplies on their own, having those extra items can be helpful.
Gift cards – are also helpful to the teachers. If you do want to buy a gift specifically for the teacher, understand the school’s policies because some districts don’t allow teachers to receive gifts directly from the parents. If the teacher is allowed to receive a gift, and you want the teacher to use it for themselves instead of the classroom, ask the teacher about some of their favorite things. Then buy a gift card for their favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or store.
“Sometimes I think people don’t realize how important educators are until something like COVID comes around,” says Rick Wilcox, fire and public safety technology instructor at Warrensville Heights High School. “It’s not an easy task to educate every day for 9 to 10 months.”
Swain advises parents if they are buying a gift specifically for the teacher or bringing the teacher a meal to understand whether a teacher has an allergy or a dietary limitation.
If you would like to purchase a gift, $30 or less is appropriate.
Recognizing teachers or coaches helps them feel trusted, valued, empowered, and encouraged to remain in the profession they love because they feel supported by the community.
