An Easy Way to Bless Teachers

Teachers play a powerful role in our lives. I can tell you the name of every teacher I ever had, as well as something about them.

My second grade teacher, Mrs. Claas was gentle and patient.

My high school English teacher Mr. White pushed me to think about literature in new and deeper ways.

My journalism teacher and mentor Mr. Harrell believed in me more than any other teacher. When I signed my book deal, I was sure to send him a note, knowing he would be proud.

I’m so thankful for the kind, wise teachers that God put in my life. I appreciate every one of them – well, except for my first-grade teacher, but that is a story for another day.

Now as a parent, I have an even deeper appreciation for teachers and they way they love the children they teach. It isn’t just about the ways that the directly pour into in their students’ education and well-being, it is all the additional time and resources they invest. Teaching truly is an incredible ministry.

With Teacher Appreciation Week just around the corner (May 5-9) I have been thinking a lot about how to bless the teachers at my children’s preschool.

The teachers there love on my children every day while my husband and I work. In some ways, they are an extension of us, loving, teaching and shepherding our kids in our physical absence. I’m so thankful that teachers my children have already had in their early years have loved so well.

I learned about teacher appreciation week last year via Pinterest. My son colored cards to deliver to his teachers and his thoughtfulness was appreciated.

This year, I quickly volunteered to help lead our parent council’s efforts for a more formal acknowledgement teacher appreciation week.

We decided to give each teacher a journal, wrapped with a tag of thanks. The journals were super affordable (thanks to DaySpring clearance) and something that both male and female teachers would use.

As I wrapped the rope around the journals, I prayed for the hands that would receive the gift. That they would feel loved. That they would know that they are valued. That this small gift would minister to them.

(in)courage kindly created these beautiful tags to print for teacher appreciation week. If you are planning to give a teacher a gift, be sure to print one off and attach it to your gift.

Remember, you don’t need to spend a lot (or any!) money to recognize the teachers in your life. Something as simple as some homemade bread or a gift card for a cup of coffee is a thoughtful way to show you care.