Talented Teachers!

Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up soon; in the first week of May! Everyday, I am surrounded by teachers who constantly give more than asked of them and always strive to give their students an environment in which they can learn and grow. A place where their strengths are celebrated and their weaknesses are fostered and focused on until they are weaknesses no more. These are the people I look up to, the ones who help me remember that, even as a substitute, I CAN make a difference. They are the teachers that show me, with their everyday actions, the kind of teacher that I hope to be someday (you know, whenever the economy stops sucking the life out of school districts). Us substitutes get the short end of the stick when it comes to Teacher Appreciation Week, but I guess I am okay with that. ;) This week is a time for, you, as a parent, and your children to really stop and thank these people who mold your children into logical thinkers and big dreamers.

With the way the economy is handling the education system right now, you'd think teachers weren't appreciated at all. Please take the time during this special week to do what teachers deserve to hear everyday... say, "Thanks." Thanks for not giving up on my kid when they were slower to grasp a concept. Thanks for looking past their mischievous and goofy behavior and addressing their real needs. Thanks for challenging them and preparing them for life in the real world. Teachers work hard, and they really, really love these kids. Trust me, they deserve a million "thank yous", and not only during Teacher Appreciation week.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, here are a couple of sources for easy, quick, and cheap gift ideas!

eighteen25 has a list of cute labels you can print to attach to small gifts... too sweet!

baltimore mommies is doing a blog roundup where people can link-up their Teacher Appreciation ideas... lots of ideas here!!

skiptomylou also has a list of other blogs linking up with ideas. She does a post like this every year with awesome ideas - check out her 2007 post.