*National Teacher Appreciation Day is Tuesday, May 9, but it goes through the whole week, next week. That gives you time to practice your appreciating! 

My first grade teacher, Mrs. Andrews,  gave M&Ms for "Extra Work Things". She introduced me to Applewiches, a delightful treat consisting of sliced Granny Smith apples and peanut butter. She gave me the gift of reading. As amazing as she was, I still remember her displeased face (which was a little bit scary) when we got too loud. I also remember the time she sided with the new boy instead of me when he tried to boss me into putting more water on my paintbrush when we were using our watercolors. Then there was one kid in class she could never quite get to straighten up. I still think she was close to perfect. 

Mrs. Andrews, like most of my teachers, added to my life in a way that would be difficult to fully express. If I could tell my teachers today how much I appreciate them, maybe in addition to some thoughful gift, I'd appreciate them with words and with understanding. In honor of Mrs. Andrews, and all the other teachers, I've put together a list of helpful things you can give your kid's teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week, and well, all year long. 

You can give them:

• Some slack- They may forget to send a note home, be late in responding to an email, or fail to fix a problem your kid is having in math. Try and give them a break when you can. Their school schedules and minds are often overloaded. They also have lives and families they're trying to lead.  As much as possible, try and give them a fresh slate after a mishap. Don't be a record keeper of wrongs. And please, don't be that person on Facebook who furiously types out mysterious posts when frustrated that start out  "Should a teacher...?" creating a social media mob against them. 

• The benefit of the doubt- I'd like to say my kids are as honest as the next kid. That being said, my kids have come home with some crazy stories through the years that have had me either scratching my head or else trying to subdue my anger. Our kids can sometimes misunderstand or misrepresent something that happens during class with their teacher. Give your kid's teacher a pass (knowing it may not be quite like your kid explained it) or  give them an opportunity to share their version of the event. 

• Well-behaved children- Sending a child who has been taught to behave and respect others is a gift that keeps on giving. Teachers are responsible for managing behavior at school, but shouldn't shoulder the sole responsibility of producing students with good character. Teachers can model, encourage, and reinforce character, but it's important that we're also taking that job seriously at home with our kids. 

• Chocolate doesn't hurt 

• Your prayer- I'm a part of the Quitter Club. After fifteen years of teaching, I hung up my teaching clothes. The job of molding young minds, while trying to simultaneously meet the requirements of strict government mandates and parent expectations, is extremely tiresome and heavy. Don't get me wrong, teaching is incredibly fulfilling, but teachers are burdened with the responsibility of instilling knowledge, in addition to getting kids to express that knowledge they've been given on assignments and tests. This includes children who may sometimes be apathetic, have a learning disability, or may have struggles you couldn't imagine. Most teachers deeply care and are deeply burdened. They need your prayer.  

• Your spelled-out appreciation- Go ahead and give the Bath and Body Works hand lotion and the gift cards. I know they're welcomed. But don't forget to tell your kid's teacher what you really appreciate about them. Tell them how their sense of humor lights up the classroom or how it meant so much to your kid that time they pulled them aside to make a plan to find a friend. Brag on the songs they make up to get a a group of kids in line or to get the daydreamers to stop playing with their pencil and pay attention. 

What do you appreciate about your kid's teacher? 

I still think most teachers are superheroes. Especially this time of year, I imagine they're  low on steam. Their cape is a little worn. Give them the credit and encouragement they're due. 

PS -Without hesitation I'll tell you, this year ALL of my kids' teachers rock! 

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