Pick your camera. Although most people have switched to digital cameras, there are some who prefer the single-lens reflex. Decide if you need a tripod for your camera or if you are going to shoot freestyle.
Visit the school before teacher appreciation day. Check the lighting in the halls and the layout of the classroom, and decide if you will shoot with a flash. Walk around and take mental note of the facilities -- such as the gym and the staff room -- and get a feel for the ambiance of the school.
Talk to the principal and teachers about the photographs you want to take for teacher appreciation day. Mingle with the kids so they get to know who you are. Advise other parents that you are going to do a photo shoot on teacher appreciation day and that you will be happy to pass your photos on to them.
Arrive early on teacher appreciation day. Take some photos of the early part of the day as part of your documentary photographer approach.
Edit your photographs of teacher appreciation day with a critical eye. Eliminate blurred shots, and fill the frame with your subjects to get the tightest shots that are better-quality pictures. Remember that even professional photographers only print about one in 10 shots.
Print the best pictures of teacher appreciation day, and put them in an album. Design a cover-- a class photo, for example, or a collage of images from teacher appreciation day. Share your work with people who want copies by emailing or burning CDs of the images.