Real Ways Parents Can Support Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week (and All Year Long)
Let’s just be real: teachers have plenty of mugs. So no need to buy one more for Teacher Appreciation Week. What don’t they have plenty of? Supportive partners in the hard work of educating our kids.
As parents, we aren’t in the classroom every day—but we are part of the team. Teacher Appreciation Week is a great time to remember one of the most powerful things we can do is to show teachers that we’re here, pitching in, and working alongside them for the success of our kids and all students. So I’m not writing a post about baked goods or bouquets. Instead, let’s focus on the kind of appreciation that lasts longer than a gift bag: support, empathy, and action.
5 Ways to show your child’s teacher you’re in their corner:
1. Assume Good Intention
Start from a place of respect. Assume your child’s teacher wants the best for your kid (and all of their students) — even when things aren’t perfect. When concerns or challenges come up, ask questions with curiosity, not accusation. No one wants to feel they are being challenged aggressively, so a questioning tone keeps doors of conversation open.
💬 Try this:
“I’ve noticed [X] at home and I’m wondering if you’ve seen anything similar at school? I’d love to know what you’re observing”
2. Share What You Know About Your Child
You know your child better than anyone, it’s true. So you’ve got a lot of insight, data points, information, and strategies to share. So why not share it to help make the teacher’s job a little easier?! Is your child anxious in new situations? A perfectionist? Prone to shutting down when overwhelmed? These little clues can help teachers tailor their approach—and avoid problem situations.
💬 Try this:
“Something that really helps at home is [strategy]. I wonder if it might also help in the classroom?.”
3. Small Actions - Big Support
Supporting teachers doesn’t have to be loud, grand, or expensive. But showing up in person is one more way to let the teacher know you’re committed to the school and the classroom. What are ways that you can get involved at your school? Maybe you volunteer to organize classroom supplies, chaperone a field trip, help with a weekend school clean-up, or help prep materials at home (just ask, many teachers have projects they could hand off to be done on your own schedule). Maybe you just consistently read the emails and show up for conferences and events. Being present matters. It shows you care and it shows you’re invested.
💬 Try this:
“I’ve got a little time this month. What can I do to help out?”
4. Give Thanks
Teachers rarely hear the good stuff. If your child felt seen, if a project sparked a new interest, or if a tough moment was handled with grace—let them know. A quick email or note can refuel a teacher on a hard day more than you can imagine. Don’t we all enjoy hearing the impact of our work? Nothing fancy needed, just drop a short note or have a quick chat after school to let them know they made a difference.
💬 Try this:
“I just wanted to say thank you for the way you handled [situation]. My child came home feeling supported, and it meant a lot.
5. See the Bigger Picture
Teachers are navigating SO MUCH —large class sizes, limited resources, mounting expectations, and kids with all kinds of needs. When you advocate for your child, also recognize that teachers are juggling dozens of kids, each with a story. There may be limits to what support is available or even possible. Acknowledging the difficulties a teacher is facing doesn’t mean you have to back down from what you know will help your child. It just means you acknowledge the real challenges and want to problem-solve together.
💬 Try this:
“I know this is a busy time of year. Is there a time we can chat that works for you? I want to make this as easy as possible so I’ll make it work around your schedule.”
6. Support Follow-Through at Home
Consistency between school and home can make a huge difference. If a teacher is trying something in the classroom to support your child, ask how you can reinforce it at home. This could mean creating routines at home to help your child remember to bring back homework, or dedicating time to review key concepts that your child is struggling with, or making sure you’re using the same language at home that the teacher’s using to manage conflicts. Maybe you make your own calm down corner so your child can practice how to use the one in the classroom? Or you have your child practice at home how to ask for help when they don’t understand something rather than getting frustrated. Backing up what’s happening in the classroom not only shows the teacher you respect their expertise, but also shows you’re a team player.
💬 Try this:
“If you’re using a strategy that’s helping at school, I’d love to hear about it so we can support it at home too. What’s been working lately?”
The truth is…
The most meaningful ways to appreciate teachers don’t cost a dime. Listening, collaborating, sharing insights, and offering a little empathy—those are the gifts that make the biggest impact. And they don’t just benefit the teacher—they create a ripple effect that helps your child and the whole classroom.
So this week, sure—send the coffee card if you want to (few teachers wouldn’t enjoy a fancy coffee!). But more importantly? Show up as a true collaborator. Your presence, your perspective, and your partnership are a true gift.
Want to keep building a strong parent-teacher connection?
👉 Read this next: Why Parent Involvement is the Secret Sauce to School Success
