Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers give so much of themselves every single day, and Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognize their dedication. For administrators and childcare directors, this is a wonderful opportunity to create meaningful moments of gratitude that show teachers just how valued they are. Whether through heartfelt notes, special treats, or shared moments of joy, small gestures can make a big difference.

Here are some thoughtful, doable ways to celebrate your teachers and build a culture of appreciation in your center!

Create a Community of Gratitude

Start the week by setting the tone for appreciation across your center. Consider creating a “Gratitude Wall” in the staff lounge or front hallway. Provide colorful sticky notes or pre-cut paper shapes where children, families, and fellow staff can write messages of thanks. Over the week, watch the wall fill with kind words and encouraging messages!

You can also send out a quick email to families inviting them to participate. A simple prompt like “Share one thing you love about your child’s teacher!” can go a long way. Collect their responses and create a printed display or small booklet to give to each teacher by the end of the week.

Small Gestures, Big Smiles

Teachers appreciate thoughtful gestures — and they don’t have to be extravagant. Here are a few simple, meaningful ideas:

Morning Coffee or Treat Bar: Set up a surprise station with coffee, tea, and snacks.
Handwritten Notes: Deliver a personal thank-you note to each teacher. Specific praise feels extra special!
Favorite Things Basket: Ask teachers to share their favorite snacks, drinks, or supplies ahead of time, and surprise them with a small basket of goodies.
Mid-Week Surprise: Organize a casual lunch or afternoon treat to keep the momentum going.

These small touches show your staff that you see and value their hard work every day.

Invite Peer-to-Peer Appreciation

Building a supportive team culture can be just as meaningful as recognition from leadership. Encourage teachers to share kind words with their colleagues throughout the week.

Create a “Teacher Shout-Out” station in the staff area with slips of paper where staff can write short notes of appreciation to each other. At the end of the week, read them aloud during a staff meeting or display them for all to see.

You can also provide a simple printable like a “Colleague Compliments” worksheet for teachers to fill out and share with one another. These small peer moments foster connection and boost morale.

Celebrate with Student Participation

Nothing brightens a teacher’s day quite like a heartfelt message from their students! Provide a simple and fun way for children to express their appreciation.

Have students write about what makes their teacher special, draw a picture, and sign their name. These personalized pages make a thoughtful keepsake for teachers and are sure to bring big smiles. Teachers will treasure reading what their students have to say in their own words!

Make It Last

While Teacher Appreciation Week is a special occasion, it can also be the start of a culture of ongoing gratitude. Consider how you might carry some of these appreciation practices into everyday life at your center — whether it’s regular recognition, a shout-out board, or small surprises throughout the year.

Your teachers are the heart of your program. By celebrating their dedication, you not only lift their spirits but also create a joyful, supportive environment that benefits your entire community.