What Teachers Really Want

GUEST BLOGGER: CALLIE WARD, USU EXTENSION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Every time we get to May, the only thing on my mind is, "SCHOOL’S OUT", or soon to be! But, in our current state, things have changed drastically…maybe this needs to be emphasized… things have changed DRASTICALLY! However, the need to give teachers our true gratitude has not. 
And for those of you who have read some of my past posts, you might have picked up on me not being into materialist items or “stuff” in general. My love language is not gifts! So, I also am horrible about giving gifts and the end of school appreciation gift usually gets pushed to the last minute. Often, as parents or specifically mothers, we have that guilt of “Karen just delivered a dozen roses and a spa weekend to her son’s kindergarten teacher, now what do I give them”, problem. Kudos to Karen for buying the dream gift, but realistically these gifts add up fast and can easily be a budget breaker. 
 
Here is what I am recommending: 

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Give teachers what they really want! They have not seen or heard from their students in a fun, casual setting, probably since the Stay Safe, Stay Home orders went into effect. Be creative and do not spend an arm and a leg on another mug for them to store or a smelly lotion they do not like.
 
What teachers really want:

• A note of sincere gratitude from both the parent and student 
• A gift card from a local small business #SUPPRORTSMALL #SHOPLOCAL
  • These do not have to be a lot! If I gave a $5 gift card from one of our gas stations that equals TEN 32 oz Dr. Peppers!
•  Anything Kid-Made or a Gift that Comes Directly from the student
  • Write a poem or song
  • Draw a picture or make a collage 
• Give them a Heart Attack- not the real one, you know what I mean! 
• Volunteer your time
• Practical supplies that are specific to their interests: 
  • Gardening, art, crafts, reading etc. 

​Callie is an Extension Assistant Professor who would do about anything for chocolate or a free t-shirt. She can be found either in the kitchen pretending to be on the Great British Baking Show or in the mountains herding cows, mountain biking, or trying to keep track of her two kids.