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(ARA) - Classrooms throughout the country continue to share a stark commonality: Budget shortfalls are stretching them paper thin. All over America teachers have the job of expanding minds with dwindling resources but somehow, from the morning roll call to the dismissing sound of the bell, teachers find a way to effectively teach. This involves spending an average of nearly $600 of their own money each year on school supplies and instructional materials. Day in and day out they reach into their pockets and display deep commitment to fill the gaps that today’s reality forces them to fix.
Parents can send a strong message in return: Thank you. Here are some great ways to say it both inside and outside the classroom:
You can toast teachers throughout the year with thanks both big and small. Consider a card, a call or a quick e-mail to express your appreciation, or bring a smile to their face with a gift that is sure to lighten their load.
Teacher Appreciation GiftCard -- To recognize America’s teachers, Target has created a special Teacher Appreciation GiftCard, available in stores nationwide and on Target.com. The GiftCard can be purchased in any monetary amount, and teachers can use the GiftCard for any Target purchase of their choice. The cards provide a perfect way for a parent to express thanks for a job well done.
Other small gifts -- Gift certificates, chocolates, movie passes -- use your imagination! Something small, simple and personal has significant meaning to a teacher, and goes a long way, too.
Volunteer – Experience first hand what your child is learning and lighten a teacher’s load in the process. Parents can volunteer by supervising field trips, serving as a teacher’s assistant, reading to school kids or helping with classroom projects.
Fundraise -- Parents have the ability to loosen the strain on teachers, and the tight budgets they face, with a simple way to fundraise. Through the Target Take Charge of Education program, parents and community members designate an eligible K through 12 school of their choice and Target donates up to 1 percent of purchases made with Target Visa and Target Card at Target and Target.com*. Target will donate 0.5 percent of Target Visa purchases made wherever Visa credit cards are accepted. Schools can use the money for whatever they need most. Many schools choose supplies, technology or equipment they would otherwise do without.
Donate in a teacher’s name -- Learn which charities or causes are most important to your child’s teacher and make a donation in that teacher’s name. Connecting a good teacher with a good cause will reinforce the value of the teacher’s good work and contribute to society at the same time.
Pilot an award program -- A cliché rings true with this one -- it is the thought that counts. Kids and parents can coordinate a surprise award program with homemade or store bought awards. Create categories that succinctly speak to a teacher’s strengths. Teachers will treasure the thought because it comes from the heart.
Courtesy of ARA Content
