As you may be aware, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week in the US.

“Every day, teachers transform ordinary moments into extraordinary discoveries. They turn curiosity into confidence, challenges into triumphs, and classrooms into launchpads for dreams. This Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, 2026, we’re celebrating the magic that happens when dedicated educators pour their hearts into helping our children grow.” – pta.org

When my children were in elementary school (K-5), I did not immediately understand the importance of the celebration. However, the first time I helped set up the breakfast bar at my children’s school, the reason became abundantly clear. As we were setting up, an obviously exhausted teacher scurried in to put her lunch in the fridge. She glanced to the left and her face broke into a wide grin. As she poured herself a cup of coffee and added a muffin and fruit to a plate, she said, “I was up late grading papers last night and slept through my alarm. I really needed this today. Thank you!”

Teacher Appreciation Week is important because teachers pour so much of themselves into our children. They spend many non-work hours grading papers and preparing lessons. They also spend much of their own money on classroom supplies as well as snacks, hats. gloves and other items that a family may not be able to afford.

To those who say, “It must be nice to have summers off”, I warn you to tread lightly. Many schools require the teaching staff to be present at least two weeks before the start of the new school year for professional development, learning new curriculum, and preparing their classroom for the magical first day of school. You see, once the last student leaves in the spring, teachers are required to pack up everything, take down all bulletin boards, and, in some cases, pay for storage of everything. Because summer is when walls are painted, floors are waxed, and other maintenance/deep cleaning is done.

Most teachers take on summer jobs and/or work a second job year-round in order to make a decent living and still afford the items they will need to purchase for their classroom throughout the year.

I do not have time nor space to talk about the increase in disruptive behaviors and parents who refuse to address behavioral issues or learning disabilities. Both figure heavily into the number of good educators that leave the field each year.

In my current role as Assistant Director of a childcare center, the Center Director and I have been planning a 90s-themed week for our staff. Our approach is two-pronged. Each day, the management team provides a meal or a special treat, and the families are invited to bless their child’s teacher along the way. I have attached copies of our plans for the week. I apologize for the picture quality.

The fridge and kitchen counter are laden with food and drinks that will eventually make their way to the teachers’ lounge.