Gift Programs

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3 Ideas to Recognize, Appreciate and Thank Teachers

I remember at the end of the school year, children in my elementary school would bring in gifts for teachers to show their appreciation. This seems to be a fairly common practice but it is also becoming customary for educational institutions to recognize teachers and show them appreciation for the work they do. Instead of getting candles, erasers and the like from pupils each year, organizations are turning to merchandise based recognition programs to leave a lasting impression on teachers and administrative support staff. I would like to share a few teacher recognition ideas with readers this week to thank teachers, professors and instructors while showing them just how appreciated they are.

Send out eCards

eCards are colorful emails that can include customization and personalization for each teacher on your recognition list. Although eCards are less formal than my other teacher recognition ideas, these programs are often quick and easy to set up while still providing appreciation and thanks to educators. The eCard is often created with a fun theme in mind (summer time, apples, school house themes are most common for teachers) and also include ordering information so that a teacher can redeem a recognition award online.

Distribute Wallet Sized Award Cards

Wallet sized award cards are a tangible recognition device with a high trophy value. These recognition tools can also be designed with a central theme and often educational institutions will use a different design for years of service awards, retirement gifts and for general teacher appreciation awards. Award cards can be handed out at the end of the school year and include ordering instructions on the back of the card for online redemption. Because of the small size of an award card, teachers can easily keep the card in a purse or wallet or even proudly display the card at a desk as a reminder of the recognition received.

Present Formal Recognition Packages

Many educational institutions commemorate the end of the school year by holding a formal recognition event in which retirees are honored and teachers with service milestones are recognized. Sometimes recognition awards are also given out so that every teacher and administrative staff member leaves the event with something. Formal recognition packages are customized with the educational institution’s seal/logo or branding and personalized with each awardee’s name and accomplishment. A recognition letter from the principal or chancellor, a certificate of appreciation, award catalog inserts and order form are all included in a keepsake folder. Recognition packages are perfect for annual ceremonies and banquets as they recognize teachers without having to bring the recognition awards in-house for distribution.

When teachers are given recognition awards they can end the school year on a positive note and the results for the organization include better engagement and retention. Thank your teachers with one of these recognition ideas and begin an annual tradition of showing appreciation.

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