Today, October 5, is World Teachers’ Day! This annual celebration has been observed internationally since 1994 as a way to recognize the rights and responsibilities of educators around the globe. All of our teachers have uniquely impacted us as they have dedicated themselves to shaping and building up the students in their classrooms, and it is important to set aside a time to recognize their contributions to our lives.
At Participate Learning, we are proud to connect more than 1,000 teachers from 29 countries to schools across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Our ambassador teachers are curious, passionate educators who play a meaningful role in their students’ lives through cultural exchange. We are grateful for their tireless efforts to unite our world through global learning, and for the positive impact they have on their local communities.
Whether you are a student, parent, ambassador teacher, or an educator anywhere in the world, we hope you take the time to pause and celebrate the educators who have positively influenced your life. Read on to discover five ways to show your appreciation on this World Teachers’ Day.
1. Show your gratitude face to face.
While tangible gifts can be a great way to give appreciation to your teacher, sharing how a teacher has been important in your life by speaking to them in person can be an incredibly meaningful gift, too. Teaching can sometimes be an underappreciated job, so expressing your gratitude by stopping by for office hours in the morning or staying a few minutes after school can be really special.
For former teachers, or where location differences don’t allow for an in-person conversation, consider recording a video of yourself letting your teachers know how grateful you are to have them in your life. These expressions of appreciation can be particularly fun for teachers because they are able to look back on the videos later when they need a little pick-me-up. No matter how you decide to share your gratitude, it will surely make your teacher’s day.
2. Create a handmade present.
Teachers love receiving gifts that come from the heart. Making a card or drawing to show your appreciation is a great option because your present will be unique and can be customized to best represent your individual relationship with a specific teacher. Channel your creativity into this project, and have fun with it!
Another homemade appreciation gift for your teacher can be a home-made sweet treat. If you have a great cookie recipe or know your teacher loves lemon bars, for example, spend some time in the kitchen making a batch for him or her. The time and energy that go into baking for another will definitely bring a smile to your teacher’s face.
3. Donate to your teacher’s classroom supplies.
Unfortunately, in the U.S. and many other countries worldwide, classrooms are underfunded, so there is a lack of resources to fill the room with the necessary supplies. Many teachers pay out of their own pockets to supply their classrooms with all they need to create a productive learning environment and a successful school year for their students.
Donating supplies to your teacher’s classroom can be an incredibly beneficial way to support your teacher and show your gratitude. Find out if your teacher has a running wish list of missing items, and see what you are able to contribute. Big or small, by being intentional with your gift giving, you are showing that you care.
4. Give a plant for your teacher’s classroom.
Adding life in a classroom through greenery can brighten anyone’s day. Plants are a great gift for teachers because they can last for a long time when taken care of properly. This is a fun and interactive way to get the students involved, too, as they can help take care of the plant by watering and repotting, which can be added to the classroom assigned-duties list.
For teachers who might not want to keep up with a potted plant, find out their favorite flowers and bring them a bouquet to show your appreciation. They smell great and will make a wonderful addition to the teacher’s desk.
5. Give relaxing items.
After a long day at work, teachers need to set aside intentional time for relaxation to rest and recharge for the next day. It can be hard to shift from a school mindset to a home mindset, so gifting your teachers with some of their favorite items to help them unwind is also a lovely way to show appreciation.
Some relaxation gifts could include bags of tea, stress balls, lotions, bath bombs, or journals. Find out what your teachers like to do in their spare time, and choose gifts that might best suit their favorite ways to spend their time outside of the classroom.
Happy World Teachers’ Day to educators around the globe! For more information on how we support our ambassador teachers at Participate Learning, visit this webpage. Are you a teacher looking for ways to celebrate World Teachers’ Day? Check out our self-care series to learn more about how you can commit to improving wellness for your body, heart, mind, and spirit.
