Teacher Appreciation Week Is Almost Here!

Heartfelt Ideas for Directors and Administrators to Show Appreciation to Teachers

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025) is right around the corner! Teachers are the heart and soul of everything we do here at IMPACT, and we know early childhood program directors and administrators are looking for ways to celebrate their amazing staff this year.

Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the dedication, creativity, and passion that teachers bring into the classroom every single day. Early childhood educators do so much more than manage routines and teach ABCs—they nurture social-emotional skills, spark joy, and create inclusive spaces where children of all abilities feel seen, supported, and empowered to learn. Their job is deeply rewarding – but it’s also emotionally and physically demanding. That’s why your leadership during Teacher Appreciation Week matters.

Showing appreciation doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Whether you’re running a small family childcare or a large center-based program, here are some thoughtful, low-cost ways to show your teachers just how much they matter.

Show Teachers They’re Valued with a Gratitude Station

One of the easiest ways to make a big impact is to create opportunities for families and children to share their appreciation directly with teachers. Transform a small space in your lobby, hallway, or sign-in area into a cheerful “Gratitude Station” where families can write thank-you notes to teachers. Provide:

  • Blank notecards or colorful sticky notes
  • Markers, pens, crayons, and stickers
  • A collection box or corkboard for displaying messages
Encourage families to get specific with their gratitude – like “Thank you for always welcoming my child with a smile in the morning!” or “Thank you for the way you comforted my child on their first day” or “We love your silly songs!”

Create a Teacher Appreciation Wall

Dedicate a wall or window to a growing display of love and appreciation. Invite children to respond to prompts like “Why my teacher is a superhero” with drawings or written notes. Watching this wall grow throughout the week becomes a daily joy for staff and families alike, and it’s a beautiful visual reminder to staff that they are seen and valued.
No space on the wall? Turn each classroom door into a mini appreciation gallery with thank you notes and decorate with child-made art.

Give the Gift of Time

Time is one of the most meaningful (and most underrated) ways to show appreciation. A short break or a few extra moments to breathe can make a big difference in a teacher’s day.
  • Add 15 minutes to lunch breaks by shifting schedules or covering classrooms with floaters or admin staff.                                                                                    
  • Leadership staff can run an art activity or storytime activity with the children while teachers take a breather.
This gesture can go a long way in reducing stress. Small moments of rest help teachers recharge and feel refreshed.

Plan Low-Cost, High-Impact Appreciation Activities

You don’t need a huge budget to make teachers feel like superstars. Focus on thoughtful gestures. And remember, every teacher is different, so take a few minutes to learn about your staff’s preferences. Send out a quick survey asking about their favorite snacks, drinks, small treats, or what self-care activities they enjoy most.

Simple Ideas That Pack a Big Punch:
  • “Favorite Things” Snack Table: Stock the break room with snacks, drinks, and treats your teachers actually love, based on survey responses.
  • Daily Handwritten Notes: Assign each admin team member to write a personal note each day of the week to a different staff member.
  • Prize Drawings: Place staff names in a jar and draw daily winners for small prizes like gift cards, notebooks, or fun classroom supplies.
  • Photo Montage: Create a looping slideshow of photos showing teachers in action, set to uplifting music in your lobby or break room.
  • Theme Days: Celebrate each day of the week with a fun theme, such as “Thanks a Latte” day (coffee treats).

End the Week with Joy

Wrap up the week with a heartfelt message that reflects the week’s celebrations. Recap fun activities, express your gratitude, shine a spotlight on teacher moments that moved you this year, and highlight messages from families and children. This can be shared in your newsletter, posted in the break room, or read aloud at a team meeting.

Make Valuing Teachers a Year-Round Commitment

While Teacher Appreciation Week is a special event, creating a culture of appreciation for your staff should happen all year long. Recognition builds morale, strengthens team culture, and helps teachers feel seen not just for what they do, but for who they are. Make it your mission to spread positivity by leaving encouraging sticky notes on desks, sending weekly shoutouts via email, keeping a “kudos board” in the break room for staff-to-staff compliments, or celebrating birthdays and work anniversaries with personalized notes.
Let’s honor and celebrate our teachers—and remind them, in big and small ways, just how essential and extraordinary they are.

  With gratitude,
- The IMPACT team

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