Words of Gratitude for Teachers

As the school year comes to a close, parents are wondering how to express their gratitude to the teachers who have invested in their children. What about a mug or a candle? Gift cards are good options, but there’s something even more valuable to teachers. It may seem simple. Sincere notes from students mean more to teachers than you might guess.

Thanking teachers from students

I was a teacher for many, many years in elementary school and middle school. You want to know what I kept after I left the classroom? A folder of notes from students. I didn’t just put them away to save. I read and reread those messages, especially on the days that seemed too tough. The words of my students always got me through even the worst of times.

What motivates teachers to teach

Teachers don’t choose this profession because of money or benefits packages. We enter this knowing that those perks will never be there. We understand that a significant portion of our salary will be reinvested in our classrooms, whether for books and supplies or providing food for hungry children. We know this- and we choose it anyway.

Teachers witness some pretty remarkable things and some incredibly tragic things. I laughed and cried as I learned right alongside my students. I wouldn’t have traded those experiences for anything. I gained as much – maybe more – as my students.

How students can thank a teacher

Teaching isn’t about the extrinsic rewards. Teachers love kids and want to make a difference in their lives. Teaching is about being part of something bigger.

Thanking a teacher is easy. It just needs to be sincere. Students can talk about fun lessons, patience, and special qualities they appreciate. The more personal the message, the better!

Writing words of gratitude for teachers 

Have your students think about the things that connect them to their teachers. Maybe it’s the love of a certain football team. Perhaps they bonded over favorite artists or songs. Maybe your student developed a love of reading because of the teacher! They could have nothing in common, but they simply developed a mutual respect for each other. 

The teacher-student bond is special. Write about that! Be specific and tell the teacher exactly what makes them extraordinary. Think about the things that will be missed when this school year is over – projects, books, activities, lessons, morning meetings, etc.

Short thank you messages for teachers from students

Younger elementary students might need a little help with words of gratitude for teachers. Don’t worry – Word Sunshine has that covered! With greeting cards designed just for kids, writing thank you notes to teachers just got easier.

Students fill in the blanks with words and messages for their teachers. The inside of the cards are blank, making this the perfect spot for a drawing. (Pro tip: teachers love to hang artwork from students in their classrooms, so give them something special!)

Older students may want to choose a card that gives them a chance to write longer messages. The blank insides are ready for anything students want to share. It could be a more personal letter, poetry, or illustrations.

Teachers help students reach their potential. Let them know how much you appreciate them! Those heartfelt messages will probably end up in a folder that the teacher will read again and again.

Check out the rest of the Word Sunshine cards designed for kids and thank you notes.