The entire community can recognize the contributions that teachers make in children's lives. During Teacher Appreciation Week, broadcast a big thank you to teachers on electronic banners at businesses such as banks. Businesses can also offer a percentage discount to all teachers during the week, or offer every teacher a free gift for visiting the business during the week. If someone in your business has a relative who is in the teaching profession, post a picture of the teacher in the lobby or front window, to honor that teacher.
Teachers need to know they are appreciated by the administrative staff of the school district. A heartfelt thank you card to each teacher from the principal or superintendent of the school will go a long way in building morale and cooperation from all of the teachers. The principal can also visit each classroom and lead the students in a cheer for the teacher, as a welcome and appreciated interruption to the classroom activities.
Every teacher loves receiving thanks from her students. During Teacher Appreciation Week, students can say thank you to their teacher by writing it down. If the student council of the school covers a hallway bulletin board with paper, the students can write a thank you to teachers on the board. Student council can also ask everyone to wear their nicest school clothes to school on a day during Teacher Appreciation Week, to show their respect for their teachers. Students can decorate their teacher's door with notes of appreciation before the teacher comes in for the morning or during lunch break.
Parents can show appreciation for the teachers in their children's lives by hosting a lunch for the teachers. Roll out the red carpet during the week, either by renting a real red carpet or by rolling out red butcher paper in the main walkway. If there is an area that teachers use that needs updating, gather a group of parents together to remodel or redecorate. Many hands, and the many talents of the parents, can make a difference in a short period of time. Repainting the teachers' bathroom or staff room can show the teachers their efforts are valued.