Top 10 Year-End Gifts for Teachers Featured on Popular Parenting Site

by FamilyEducation Staff

BOSTON - April 29, 2009 - May 3rd marks the beginning of a special week for showing thanks to the exceptional teachers who help children build an educational foundation for success. FamilyEducation offers parents and students hundreds of thoughtful, creative and affordable ideas for celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week.

"Teaching is a tough job, requiring boundless energy, time and dedication, both during the school day and beyond. In the course of any day, teachers tie shoelaces, wipe noses and keep order in a classroom of 30 or more students - all while striving to ensure that these students achieve at the highest levels," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher, Family Education Network. "Teacher Appreciation Week gives parents and students a special time to thank the education professionals in their schools for their expertise and devotion to helping our children build a love for learning."

FamilyEducation features ideas for students of all grades levels to thank their teachers. Teacher appreciation ideas for elementary students include making a paper bouquet of thanks, giving teachers their own report cards or pledging to do five nice things for their teachers. Middle school students can celebrate their teachers by designing a special thank-you card or working with parents and other students to plan a fun assembly as a tribute to their school's teachers. Teacher appreciation ideas for high school students range from planting a tree or flowering bush in recognition of their teachers to writing poems thanking their teachers.

Homemade gifts for teachers are always a big hit, and FamilyEducation has many creative ideas. Kids and parents can find instructions for making a special book lover's book bag or a set of personalized refrigerator magnets with the message, "Teachers Rule."

While students are, of course, grateful to their teachers, parents more than anyone want to thank educators for their dedication in the classroom. FamilyEducation offers many teacher appreciation ideas for parents. A simple thank-you note from a parent is treasured by teachers, or parents can collaborate with others to make a special gift basket or memory book of the school year to express their gratitude. By visiting the "What Works" message board on FamilyEducation, parents can get advice from others on what great teacher appreciation gifts they have come up with over the years.

Close on the heels of 2009 Teacher Appreciation Week will be the end of the school year. FamilyEducation is the place to turn to for gifts to show teachers appreciation for a job well done, and the ideas go beyond the many mugs and pencil holders that most teachers have received over the years. The "Top 10 End of Year Gifts for Teachers" slideshow on FamilyEducation suggests unique gifts ranging from adopting an endangered species in the teacher's name to a care package of beach supplies to help wish the teacher a fun and safe summer.

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