How to Be a Blessing to Your Child’s Teacher This Year

by Tiffany · August 23, 2013

The other day I was scrolling through Pinterest and saw an array of first day of school gifts for teachers. I began to panic. What? I knew about Christmas gifts and end of the year gifts- but I wasn’t prepared for the beginning of the year gifts. With two kids starting school in a couple weeks, coupled with our halfway-across-the-country-move, I was totally out of bandwidth. I quickly polled some friends on facebook and got some input from teachers themselves about what’s expected (and thankfully a beginning of a year gift is not one of them). In the process, though, I began to wonder how I could be a real blessing to my kids’ teachers.

1. Pray for them throughout the year.
Perhaps this is a given, but it’s easy to forget them after the first few weeks of school. Pray for wisdom, patience, understanding, perseverance, stamina, physical strength, health, etc. Being a teacher can be a tireless job. Maybe put their name (or photo) on a notecard in a place you see often (mirror, fridge, dashboard, etc.) as a physical reminder to lift them up in prayer.

2. Give them cash.
No seriously. Teachers often spend loads of money out-of-pocket for their classrooms. And sadly they often don’t get paid as well as they should be. Instead of giving them a coffee mug (because I’m sure they already have hundreds), give them a $5 bill. Every little bit helps.

3. Encourage them with a kind note.
Send a note to them during various times of the year, letting them know you are thinking of them (and praying for them, if you really are). Give an example of how your child has talked kindly about them, or share a story of how your child is really catching on to something that maybe they’ve been struggling with. Specificity speaks volumes to the heart and will provide an extra boost that their spirit may need.

4. Ask if you can do something.
Maybe they need someone to cut out 20 monkeys out of construction paper. Or perhaps they would really love someone to put together packets of papers and staple them.

5. Rally the troops.
Not only is it helpful for YOU to be a blessing, but think if 10 other moms or dads from the class offered to do a little something. Sometimes people don’t know how to be helpful (I didn’t!), so maybe start a conversation on the playground after school some day, suggesting a few projects.

6. Join the PTO.
I used to work with a mom of 4 who was really active in her kids’ PTO. She always tried to be doing something. This allowed her to get to know other moms (which comes in handy!), and also to make a relationship with her kids’ teachers. A healthy PTO often equates to a healthy school environment. Your child’s education is a team effort!

7. Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Of course, if you are gifted with the desire to be crafty, bless your child’s teacher with something cute and fun! Pinterest has a gazillion ideas, of course. If you’re not crafty, a gift card is a great idea. Or you could get other parents to go in on a gift card for a massage or mani/pedi!

8. Bring your child’s teacher a meal.
MaryAnn shared with me the other day that she asked her son’s teacher if she could bake a meal for her during parent-teacher conference time. She checked to make sure about dislikes/allergies, and then put a meal in the teacher lounge fridge for her to take home that evening. Especially if your child’s teacher has a family, something as simple as a meal can be a huge blessing!