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Teachers: We Know They Feel It, Too

By Hannah Klegon, ISJL Education Fellow
 
A lot of the times, teachers can be overlooked when it comes to the end of the year slump. We think about how the students are probably wiped, especially after coming back from a spring break. But, something important to consider, and something that we should work on, is reinvigorating the teachers as well. Here are some ideas on how to revive your teachers.
 
Team Building
We focus so much on team building at the beginning of the school year that by the end of the year it’s almost entirely forgotten. And it’s just as important at the end of the year as it is at the beginning! Whether it be a short team building activity at the end of school or a full team building day, any little bit will help you and your teachers become a more cohesive team and be able to get over that end of the year slump.  
 
Lunch or Breakfast
Having the parents create a lunch or breakfast for the teachers is a way to help teachers get motivated. A small brunch or home cooked meal by your parents can go a long way; food is always a great motivational factor. In addition to that, teachers will feel more appreciated by this. Why stop with the parents though? Get the kids involved and have them help to serve meals for their teachers!
 
Social Media Shout-Out
We live in the age of social media. A great idea to keep your teachers motivated is to give teachers shout-outs on your social media websites. You can do a Facebook post about a “Teacher of the Week,” or you can do a shout-out for the “Mentsch of the Month” in your newsletter. Being recognized can be very motivational for teachers—and everyone! J
 
Thank You Cards
Similar to the recognition on social media, being recognized by our students can be just as effective. Having students write thank you cards for their teacher or someone in the school can make teachers and staff feel great! Students can individually write thank you cards, or they can create group cards thanking all the teachers.
 
Field Trip
Teacher appreciation doesn’t just have to happen in the school setting. Taking your teachers out on a field trip is a great way to show your appreciation as well as create a cohesive team. Going to a museum, a movie or even just a coffee shop will help teachers interact in a more social setting. It’s important to be able to create those relationships with your teachers and for the teachers to develop those relationships with each other!

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