Teacher Appreciation Week gives Amador Valley students and PTSA a chance to recognize teachers for the work they do in and outside the classroom. During the week, PTSA and leadership helps celebrate staff with meals, treats, coffee, notes and small gifts to show thanks.
Time to relax
“It’s a week where PTSA does a bunch of stuff to make us feel appreciated,” said health teacher Julie Foley.
Throughout the week, teachers received different surprises from PTSA and the school community. Some of the activities included lunch, snacks and a coffee cart. These small events helped teachers feel noticed during a busy time of the school year, especially as classes get closer to finals and the end of the year.
“They did lunch two days, and they did a little snack day and a coffee cart day,” said Foley.
For many teachers, the timing of Teacher Appreciation Week is important. At the end of the school year, teachers are working hard to finish lessons, help students stay focused and keep their classrooms positive.
“It actually comes at the perfect time, because all of us teachers, our staff, we’re trying to finish out the school year strong. It’s a great way to help us get to the finish line, with great energy and endurance,” said PE teacher Mary Scavone.
PTSA also helped make teachers feel appreciated through breakfasts and lunches. Leadership students added to the celebration by putting post it notes on doors and giving teachers small bags with cookies and treats. These gifts may seem simple, but they helped bring encouragement to staff members.
“Honestly, I feel like the partnership between our parents and teachers have been awesome over the years. I feel like they know exactly what we need when we need it,” said Scavone.
Saying thank you
Students also played an important part in the week by thanking teachers and showing respect in class. For teachers, appreciation does not always have to be a big gift. Sometimes, a thank-you, a kind note or a student having fun in class can make their job feel more rewarding. Students at Amador also understand why teachers should be recognized. Teachers do more than give assignments or teach lessons. They help students learn, support them when school gets stressful and try to understand what students are going through.
“I appreciate when my teachers are understanding because sometimes life doesn’t just revolve around school. I appreciate when teachers can understand that,” said Posey Hopkins (‘28).
Teachers become memorable when they encourage students and see something special in each person. Students can show appreciation by being respectful and writing cards for their teachers.
“They can be respectful towards their teachers and maybe even write them a card,” said Hopkins.
A teacher’s personality can make them helpful or memorable. When teachers understand students’ problems and learning styles, students may feel more comfortable in class.
“Students can show appreciation by saying thank you, by following their rules and such things,” Ryan Bowling (’28).
Staff members also feel recognized through everyday student actions. Miss Crenshaw said students make her feel appreciated in small ways all the time, such as bringing coffee, saying thank you or spending time with her in the morning.
“My babies do something every day to make me feel recognized. Whether it’s coming in and bringing me coffee or coming in saying,’Thank you, Ms. Z, for everything you’ve done for me,’” said wellness center counselor Zunika Crenshaw.
A heartfelt reminder
Teacher Appreciation Week matters because it reminds staff that their hard work is seen. Teachers and staff spend many hours helping students, and some days they are with students and coworkers more than their own families.
“It shows it values what we do every day. To recognize that one week out of the year is appreciated,” said Scavone.
At Amador, Teacher Appreciation Week is more than just food, coffee and gifts. It is a reminder that teachers and staff help create the school environment every day. When staff members feel supported, it can also make the school feel more positive for students.
“You have happy staff, you get happy kids,” said Crenshaw.
