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I know, I know. You don’t need someone to tell you how to appreciate teachers when you ARE the teacher; you know how to appreciate your own kind. But have you really attempted to show your support and appreciation for your fellow teachers in your building? If you have, then you’re way ahead of me. If not, then read on.

In the midst of our busy school day, we sometimes forget that there are simple ways we can show our colleagues that we care about and support them. We often need to be reminded that it doesn’t hurt to demonstrate our respect and appreciation for those with whom we spend our days. Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to turn your thoughts into action!

As National Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day approach, consider showing your coworkers a little love with some of these simple ideas.

appreciate teachers

Ask for Advice

Soliciting advice from coworkers demonstrates respect. It can also be flattering for the advice-giver. Confide in someone whom you trust and pick their brain. You might like what they have to say and you’ve stroked their ego in the process.

Get Together

Spend time together with other teachers outside of school. Just being present with your fellow teachers sends the message that you care about and support them. Go out for a happy hour drink and appetizers. You might be surprised what you can learn about each other outside of work.

Collaborate

Working together on a common project or idea can help strengthen relationships. You don’t have to immerse yourself into a complicated, time-consuming task. Start small, like how to assess students at the end of a lesson, or what the next hallway bulletin board will look like.

appreciate teachers

Be “Friends”

No, you don’t have to be besties with all of the teachers in your building. This day in age, simply being “friends” on social media can mean a lot to someone. Many of us post about our personal lives. In many cases, our coworkers have no idea who we are outside of the school day. Getting a glimpse into one another’s personal lives can impact our perspectives of each other in a positive way.

Get Personal

Interact as much as possible with teachers in your building during the school day. Rather than shooting someone a quick email, go see them in person. If you don’t have time for a personal visit, call them on the phone. Tone in an email can often be perceived differently by the reader than what was intended by the writer. Avoid confusion, and its nasty aftermath, with a simple phone call or visit.

Offer to Help

Think of ways you can help your neighboring teacher. Maybe it’s making copies, or watching their class for a few minutes while they take a leisurely restroom break? They will appreciate the favor, and you’ve just earned yourself a few brownie points!

Bring A Teacher Their Favorite Drink

This one’s easy, but costs a few bucks. Find out one of your colleague’s favorite drinks and surprise them with it at school. Hopefully they’ll appreciate the gesture and you’ll feel good about paying it forward (and buying that second drink for yourself)!

Compliment A Coworker

Give a fellow teacher a genuine compliment about their teaching. Also inform your administrator and superintendent using specific examples. This doesn’t happen often enough. Don’t let great teachers go unnoticed!

Thank A Teacher

Join in NEAs 2019 “Thank A Teacher Campaign.” Post on social media using hashtag #ThankATeacher.

What do you do to show support and appreciation for the teachers with whom you work?

You’ve nearly made it… Spring break is just within reach! This time off can be a great opportunity for teachers to get away. It’s also a time when teachers should take a step back from the stress of the classroom. Here are some great ways you can de-stress over your break. Try them on your vacation or stay-cation. Best of all, they cost little to nothing!

1. Go For Walks – Walks, particularly on scenic paths, can help clear your head. Walking will also boost endorphins, which can help to improve your mood.
2. Limit Time on Devices – If you are able, unplug from all devices. Ignore emails, social media, online games, tv, etc., even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes. Tablets, phones, computers, and other electronics can be causes of stress, loss of sleep, and depression.
3. Listen To Music – Classical music tends to have more soothing effect, however, any music you love will fill you with the good feels. Check out some of the Spotify playlists we’ve put together!
4. Laugh – Spend quality time with people you enjoy being around, watch a comedy or funny viral video, or read a funny book. According to the Mayo Clinic “laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.”
5. Deep Breathing – Try some deep breathing exercises to help your body to relax and provides an extra boost of oxygen. If done over time, deep breathing can reduce blood pressure. Don’t know how? Here are some tips: breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth 10 times, focusing on your stomach rising and falling, and your breath flowing in and out. MindYeti.com is a great tool for teachers to use in the classroom and out of the classroom!
6. Take A Long Bath – Bathing relaxes muscles, relieves anxiety, and provides some “me” time. Turn on some music or add some candles to make it extra tranquil.
7. Sleep – Restful sleep is an essential key to staying healthy and strong. “Sleep is a necessary human function – it allows our brains to recharge and our bodies to rest. When we do not sleep long or well enough, our bodies do not get the full benefits of sleep, such as muscle repair and memory consolidation,” explains The American Psychological Association. Turn of that alarm and enjoy your rest.
8. Find A Hobby – Have you always wanted to try a hobby or craft but never had the time? Take it for a test run over your break and let your creativity flow! Hobbies are a great way to soothe anxiety, especially if the actions are repetitive.
9. No Grading, No Planning, No School – Try to avoid working on anything school-related over your break. This is your time to disconnect from “teacher mode” and rejuvenate for that last leg of the school year.
10. Pet a Furry Animal – Petting or snuggling a fuzzy friend is stress-reliever. According to animalsmart.org “playing with or petting an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol.” So, snuggle up and reduce that stress.

What’s are your favorite things to do during Spring break – whether to relax or have lots of fun? Share your ideas in the comments below!