Teacher Appreciation Week 2008: 4th – 10th May

A week for celebrating the nation’s educators, Teacher Appreciation Week 2008 really has the potential to make a difference to a school’s community should enough effort be put in to highlighting its importance.

It is designed to mark the gratitude for teachers felt by students, parents and employers alike and different educational institutions will see it celebrated in a wide variety of ways – from special activities to the presentation of teacher appreciation gifts and cards.

The week culminates in Teacher Appreciation Day 2008, a great opportunity for any type of presentation or special event – for example, often schools will hold award ceremonies for teachers with award categories such as “most inspirational teacher”. Showing one’s gratitude in public certainly gives a sense of occasion to the event and undoubtedly demonstrates the importance of the teacher’s role.

The week as a whole will see classes bond whilst learning more about the teaching industry, helping them to gain a better understanding of their teacher’s position and so consequently being able to co-operate and work together more effectively in class. For some, learning about the industry may even serve as an inspiration for a future career.

The fact that teaching is a international profession makes the week an apt opportunity for learning about new cultures; teaching styles differ throughout the world as does what is learnt and by whom. It would be interesting to find out about affiliate schools or educational institutions abroad, perhaps to even arrange a visit if time/budget allows – something which would really make the week one to remember!

The breaking down of barriers and communication is what makes Teacher Appreciation Week 2008 so special – helping everybody to benefit from each other’s ideas and thoughts. There are many articles published around this time and many teaching conferences held – all aimed to assist the educator in his/her career and develop their already existing knowledge and experience. Students can help teachers in this way too – telling them what they appreciate in them and how they respond well to particular ideas/ways of teaching. This feedback will aid the teacher enormously in the future and ensure that his/her career is a successful and productive one – the best gift for Teacher Appreciation Week.