Boost teacher morale and show teacher appreciation during Teacher Appreciation Week and throughout the year! Outstanding leadership isn’t just about managing—it’s about lifting people up! In turn, you will create a positive school culture that impacts student success and builds stronger schools!

I’ve been lucky to work under two incredible principals who left a lasting impression. One administrator showed me deep compassion as I navigated my early teaching years, mentoring me in my career and personal life. Another ensured we all knew how valued we were, constantly reminding us that she hand-picked each of us because we were the “cream of the crop.” That kind of leadership doesn’t just create great teachers—it makes a school family and aids in teacher retention.

I created 40 POSITIVE NOTES and 11 POSTERS for principals to use for teacher appreciation.

There are several meaningful ways to use the notes to boost morale and recognize teachers’ hard work. 

1. Personalized Handwritten Message – Write individual messages to teachers recognizing their specific contributions. Include a positive note in the envelope.
2. Public Recognition – Read appreciation notes aloud during staff meetings or morning announcements.
3. Bulletin Board Display – Create a “Wall of Appreciation” where notes are posted for everyone to see.
4. Teacher Mailboxes – Place appreciation notes in teacher mailboxes as a surprise.
5. Social Media Shout-Outs – With permission, share appreciation notes on the school’s social media pages.
6. Newsletter Features – Include appreciation messages in the school newsletter for the community to see.
7. Gift Pairing – Attach appreciation notes to small gifts like coffee gift cards, snacks, or school supplies.
8. Morning Desk Surprise – Leave notes on teachers’ desks before they arrive in the morning.
9. Teacher of the Week Recognition – Feature a teacher weekly with a special note of appreciation.
10. Email Spotlights – Send an appreciation note in an all-staff email highlighting a teacher’s impact.
11. Student Involvement – Have students write appreciation notes and present them with principal support and a card.
12. Celebratory Events – Read appreciation notes aloud at teacher appreciation luncheons or assemblies.
13. Video Messages – Record video messages reading appreciation notes and send them to teachers.

Use the posters when providing food or teacher appreciation gifts for your teachers!

1. Teachers like you are FLAMAZING–  ANYTHING
2. Thank you for helping me PAINT a bright future.  Nail polish and manicure kit
3. Thank you for helping us GROW.  flowers, plant
4. Anyway you SLICE it, you are amazing! –  pizza, pie
5. Thank you for BEEing such a great teacher!  – honey, beewax products
6. There is no SUBstitute for you!  – sub sandwiches
7. You are a BERRY amazing teacher! -basket of berries
8. Thank you for being a SOUPer teacher!  – soup
9. Let’s TACO bout how awesome you are! – tacos
10. Teachers like you are SWEET!-  ice cream, chocolate, sweets
11. You DONUT know how much we appreciate you!-   donuts

When teachers feel important, they teach like they’re important, transforming a school into a thriving learning community. LET’S DO THIS!

Keep rockin!

Pam