“A rush of emotions ran through my blood and into my heart, around my past and onto my future. This teacher gave me hope and he offered me compassion. He boosted my self-esteem and made me wonder: "Can it be true? Could I have leadership abilities? Me?" He didn't have any children of his own but his heart adopted some, like me. He gave me confidence and self-assurance that has lasted, in my memory bank, for over 19 years.
That's what a good teacher can do.”
- Shara, owner of MommyPerks.com & Early Childhood News & Resources
Teacher Appreciation Inspiration for Valentine's Day
Teachers are a shining star, a beaming smile, and a loving heart in the lives of so many - chances are, you can easily recall a teacher who changed your life simply by pushing you to be your best or helping you acknowledge your own strengths. Find a way to show those special teachers from your life some love this Valentine's Day!
Write It Down, Share the Love!
If you could write a Valentine’s note to any one teacher from your life, to whom would you write and what would you say? Take a quick minute RIGHT NOW and write it down. Find some time to track down the inspiring teacher from your life and send them your note, or share your memories with your own children.
See what these bloggers and friends of VolunteerSpot have to say about the teachers who touch their lives . . . Love Your Teacher this Valentine’s Day!
“I love my son's teacher for so many reasons. She knows him, pushes him in areas he is lacking, yet still appreciates him just as he is. She makes him a better student, but more importantly - a better person.”
- Aimee Giese of Greeblemonkey.com
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“We love our son's teacher! Right away I could tell she's passionate about her job. During the first Back to School night, she said, "parents, don't tell your kids that you don't like or understand math, or that math is hard. Lie if you have to!" She also told the kids right away that she does not drink coffee. "Please tell your parents not to waste their money buying me Starbucks cards." I knew I was going to love her after those statements!
She lets the kids be themselves and they feel comfortable talking with her. She doesn't yell! She communicates well with us parents and is very responsive. She has sons so she realizes not every high energy boy is a troublemaker. My son says she's his favorite teacher so far and we agree.”
- Melanie from Mel, A Dramatic Mommy
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“I adore my twins teacher because even though their school frowns upon twins being in the same class she took them on, even with the knowledge that they would be the youngest in the class.
She wrote them both really nice cards for Christmas, and I quote, "you are one of the reasons I love to come to school each day".
Any teacher that is that kind to my children will always have a special place in my heart.”
- Angie of SevenClownCircus
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"My daughter is the first child with "special needs" to be enrolled in our county's Pre-K program. Her teachers, Mrs. Swanger and Mrs. Ashe, are amazingly patient with Sadie and work hard to challenge her to grow. They are a blessing to us!”
- Megan of SweetSadieMarie
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"A heart of gold. That describes my daughter's first grade teacher. Yes, she's a totally talented teacher and yes, she's an amazing professional, but my favorite thing about her is how much she loves my daughter and loves all the kids in her class. Thank you, Mrs. Hertz. We heart you!"
-Melissa Taylor of ImaginationSoup
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Grab a few friends and create a thoughtful (versus expensive) teacher gift this Valentine’s Day!
- Create the ‘Gift of Time’ by volunteering to spend time helping in the classroom.
- Create a ‘Love Bomb’ this year; bombard your child’s teacher, cafeteria worker, principal or janitor with a burst of Valentine/Thank You’s on their door or even their car!
- Meet the kids on the playground and create a cute and quick thumbprint heart card. Each child makes a heart and signs their name.
- Get creative and pool your efforts for a ‘Teacher Group Gift Basket’, using what you know your teacher’s favorite hobbies to be.
Amidst all the fun Valentine's thanks, don’t forget about folks who may not specifically be teachers of our kids, yet still fill a special ‘teaching’ role - aunts, uncles, friends, Scout leaders, volunteer team sport coaches, janitors, neighbors, teen babysitters, school aides, parent volunteers, you name it. Enjoy the holiday and spread the love!
Carissa Rogers is a member of Team VolunteerSpot. She is a busy mom of 3 active kids. And when she’s not carpooling, leading the PTO or playing photographer; she’s connecting, onsulting, freelancing and lots of other ings … a mom of all trades. Connect with her on Twitter: @CarissaRogers.
