Many parents want to show their gratitude to those teachers, but they might not be sure about what is appropriate, especially for teachers leading their children’s religious education. Here are seven easy ways you can thank them!
Use Your Words!
Being a Sunday-school teacher is more challenging than ever, and letting the people who do this important work know they’re appreciated is more important too. We often overlook the most obvious things. One of the best ways to show your appreciation is to take a moment out of your day, visit your child’s Sunday school teacher face-to-face, and tell them in person that you appreciate them. You might be surprised by how impactful your words can be!
Write Them a Card
While words are nice and tasteful gifts are surely appreciated, Sunday-school teachers who look back on their careers years later love mementos that remind them of their time teaching. A thoughtful card not only shows them that you appreciate what they do, but it can be a source of joy for many years to come. Write a card letting them know how much they mean, and encourage your kids to do the same.
Help Them With Teaching Supplies
All teachers struggle to create the best learning environment for their student, and that can be expensive. You might be surprised to find out how often teachers have to pay out of pocket for common classroom items like dry-erase markers that never last as long as you’d hope. You child’s teacher will remember how much you care every time they grab a marker from that giant box you bought them from your local warehouse club!
Baked Goods are Almost Always Welcome
According to ABC News, one of the best ways to thank your child’s Sunday school teacher is still with a bit of home cookery. This can mean a batch of your grandmother’s famous cookies or a casserole that has taken you years to perfect. Have your kids do a little reconnaissance to see if their teacher has any special dietary restrictions and cook from the heart.
Recognize Them to Their Church Leaders
We all know how small our church communities really are, and how much reputation matters. The sad thing is that church leaders are often overwhelmed by complaints when parents are unhappy with a Sunday school teacher, but they don’t hear that much when parents are happy. A supportive word about your child’s teacher to their church leaders can go a long way toward making the teacher feel great, and it can even secure their position.
A Gift Certificate to a Christian Bookstore
If you’re crunched for time and you want to show your appreciation to your child’s Sunday school teacher and support their role in the classroom, but you are unsure about what they need, a gift certificate to your local Christian bookstore might be a great option. Be sure you check with church leaders about whether teachers can accept that kind of gift to avoid an awkward situation.
Make a Donation in Their Name to the Church
Not every Sunday school teacher is necessarily in need of monetary support. If you’re struggling to find some way to express your thanks that’s a little more substantial than a simple thank you, consider a donation to the church in the name of your child’s teacher with an attached note about how much you appreciate them. You church leaders will be very appreciative, and your note can do a lot to make your child’s teacher stand out.
Teachers that truly make a difference are rare. A teacher’s job is often filled with uncertainty about whether they’re doing a good job, even more so when they’re fulfilling the role of a religious educator. As parents, we have the power to show them that their hard work is noticed and to encourage them to continue making a difference!
