ENVOLVE SCHOOLS
Need teacher appreciation activities that don’t break the bank and are super easy to accomplish?
We have you covered!
Below, you can find 10 low-burden, low-cost ways to make sure every teacher feels the appreciation next week!
Activity
Give This To A Teacher Who…
Looking for a powerful way to spotlight your staff? Have your leaders create 7–10 folded slips of paper with prompts like “Give this to a teacher who changed your life” or “Give this to a teacher who always goes above and beyond!” During lunch or passing periods, hand them out to students and encourage them to deliver them in person. As the week goes on, capture as many of these moments as possible on video. Then, compile the best reactions into one heartwarming video and share it on your program’s social media to celebrate your incredible teachers!
Activity
The Kindness Line!
Want to create a moment a teacher will never forget? Have your leaders line up outside a classroom of a teacher you’d like to recognize. One by one, students enter the room, share a quick thank you, and hand over a kind note. Continue the flow for a few minutes until every leader has had their moment. It’s simple, powerful, and guaranteed to leave a lasting impact!
Activity
Appreciation Paid Forward!
Ready to turn one moment into dozens? Bring a speaker, some upbeat music, and a simple thank-you sign into a classroom. After surprising the teacher, pass out small slips of paper to each student and invite them to write a quick note of appreciation. As students leave, have them personally hand their note to the teacher. One small surprise can quickly turn into a wave of kindness!
Activity
Mascot Appreciation!
Want to add some fun to your appreciation efforts? Have one of your leaders dress up as your school mascot and walk campus with a sign that reads “Free Hugs for Amazing Teachers!” Visit as many classrooms as possible, spreading energy, laughter, and gratitude along the way. Be sure to capture the best moments and share them on social media to showcase the love!
Activity
Staff Lot Surprise
Looking for a behind-the-scenes way to make a big impact? Have your leaders secretly head out to the staff parking lot before school and place handwritten notes of appreciation under each windshield. When teachers arrive, they’ll be greeted with an unexpected message of gratitude waiting just for them. Simple, thoughtful, and the perfect way to start their day!
Activity
Your Driver is Here!
Have a golf cart on campus? Team up with campus security and a couple of student leaders to create the most unforgettable morning welcome! As teachers and students arrive to the parking lot, pull up with a big smile, a cup of hot chocolate, and the line: “Your chauffeur has arrived!” Then give them a quick ride to the front office, their building, or even right up to their classroom. Repeat all morning and watch how quickly this turns a normal day into a story people tell!
Activity
Letters of Recommendation!
Teachers write countless recommendation letters for students. Flip the script and make them the ones being celebrated! Have your leaders write gratitude letters to your various teachers in the style of recommendation letters, highlighting their impact, character, and dedication. Print the letters and place them on teachers’ desks as a surprise. This activity is funny, heartfelt, and the exact kind of appreciation your staff members rarely receive.
Activity
Hallway Hype Crew!
Looking to energize your campus while celebrating your staff? Have your leaders line a hallway before school or during passing period and cheer for teachers as they walk through! Add handmade signs, clapping, and big energy to make every staff member feel like a celebrity for a moment.
Activity
Doorstep Deliveries!
Want to brighten a teacher’s day without interrupting their class? Have your leaders quietly stop by classrooms during prep periods or lunch to leave a handwritten note right outside the door. No disruption, just a small, meaningful surprise waiting for them when they return!
Activity
Announcement Appreciation
Want to make appreciation part of your entire campus experience? Have your leaders take turns on the morning announcements sharing a heartfelt message about a staff member who has made an impact on them. Feature one teacher each day during Staff Appreciation Week and keep the messages genuine, specific, and full of gratitude!