Heartfelt School Highlights for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025

Each May, schools and parents across the country come together to celebrate the incredible impact teachers make every single day. This Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9), we were thrilled to see how schools went above and beyond to recognize and thank their educators.

Curious to see how schools celebrated? Let’s take a look at some of the most heartfelt and creative Teacher Appreciation Week highlights from across the country!

Looking for more opportunities to celebrate your amazing teachers, staff, and students? Sign up now to be part of National School Choice Week 2026 in January.

Searching for another fun way to appreciate teachers this year? Try our Owlbert Teacher Appreciation worksheet to help your students share heartfelt messages with the educators who inspire them.

Week-long Celebrations

Many schools chose to celebrate with a week full of fun, with each day bringing a new way to appreciate educators. From breakfasts and gift cards to spirit days and surprise luncheons, these celebrations made educators feel the love all week long.

Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Salt Lake City, Utah

The Parent Teacher League organized a daily lineup of treats and themes. The week featured snacks, appreciation notes, a catered lunch, and a luau-themed party. The week wrapped up with a gala fundraiser.

East Shore Leadership Academy in Port Huron, Michigan

Each day offered a new surprise for educators, including continental breakfast, t-shirts, pizza, massages, and catered lunch.

“ESLA administration spoiled their teachers and definitely made us feel appreciated!” – Heather Grossi, 6th-Grade Teacher

Midland Academy Charter School in Midland, Texas

Staff at Midland Academy were treated to a breakfast and coffee bar, snack and prize wheel, pizza and soda, and a charcuterie lunch. The final day featured a 90s-themed dress-up event.

“Our wonderful PTO did [an appreciation week for] all of our staff, not just the teaching staff. We are so very blessed by our wonderful parents.” – Grace Perez (Olivas), Receptionist

Hamadeh Educational Services in Dearborn, Michigan

At Hamadeh Educational Services, each day brought breakfast chocolates, lunches, and appreciation gifts. The Parent-Teacher Committee also provided a staff breakfast.

“We provided our staff with appreciation gifts, chocolates, breakfast and lunches. Our PTC also brought in breakfast for all staff. So every day of the week was celebrated.” – Uzma Anjum, Principal

Food, Treats, and Special Deliveries

For some schools, food was the love language of the week. From homemade treats to catered food spreads, these schools showered their teachers with tasty gifts.

Friendship Aspire Lab School for Dyslexia in Maumelle, Arkansas

Friendship Aspire Lab School, parents and students joined forces to shower educators with meals and custom t-shirts.

“We love our team!!” – Lauren Chapman, M.Ed., Principal

Academy of Accelerated Learning in Houston, Texas

Academy of Accelerated Learning treated all campus staff to lunch and snacks throughout the week.

“It was a joy to see the smiles on their faces—our dedicated staff truly mean the world to us!” – Sydney Jameson, Social Media Manager

DeKel mPact Services in Augusta, Georgia

Teachers were surprised with daily treats, student-written notes, and a special luncheon hosted by parents at DeKel mPact Services.

“At DeKel mPact Services, we celebrated our incredible teachers with daily surprises, handwritten notes from students, and a special appreciation luncheon hosted by our parent community. We’ve loved every moment of this week! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to spotlight the heart of our school—our educators!”

One of our teachers shared, ‘The best part of teaching is watching the moment a student realizes they can do something they never thought they could.'” – Ricarda F. Deeds, Education Director

Creative Appreciation Activities

These schools made Teacher Appreciation Week feel personal, incorporating student creativity and appreciation.

Horizon Science Academy Belmont High School in Chicago, Illinois

At Horizon Science Academy Belmont High School, the week began with students penning heartfelt cards for staff members. Panera breakfasts, personalized snack deliveries, international lunch dishes like Lumpia and Birria tacos made each day special.

“What I love most is the spark in students’ eyes when they realize they’re capable of more than they thought. Being appreciated like this just fuels our passion even more.” – Educator at Horizon Science Academy Belmont High School

Elizabeth Lee Black School Barber National Institute in Erie, Pennsylvania

At Elizabeth Lee Black School Barber National Institute, students and faculty made a yard sign to be displayed outside for educators to see at Elizabeth Lee Black School Barber National Institute.

Sonoran Science Academy – Tucson Elementary in Arizona

At Sonoran Science Academy – Tucson Elementary, the week of appreciation was paired with heartfelt reflections from students and staff. Teachers shared their love for the school’s collaborative environment, the supportive leadership, and the drive and curiosity of their students.

“We felt truly celebrated during Teacher Appreciation Week! Each day brought thoughtful surprises and treats that made us feel valued and appreciated. Highlights included a nacho bar, a coffee truck, a heartwarming student video shown during a special assembly, and daily themed gifts. It was a week full of gratitude, joy, and sweet moments we won’t forget. ” – Taranie Campbell, Elementary Music Teacher

“I love teaching at Sonoran Science Academy because of the vibrant, supportive community and the school’s strong emphasis on academic excellence. The students are curious, motivated, and eager to learn, which makes every day in the classroom rewarding. I also appreciate the collaborative spirit among the staff and the opportunity to grow professionally in an environment that values a well-rounded, student-centered education.” – Cynthia Brownley , EL Coordinator

“There’s so much to love about Sonoran Science Academy, but what truly sets us apart is our community. Our students are curious, motivated, and always striving to grow—they inspire me every single day. Our parents are incredibly supportive and involved, always stepping up to help create the best environment for learning. And our staff is a team of passionate, dedicated educators who care deeply about every child’s success. Together, we’ve built a school that’s not just focused on academics, but on kindness, collaboration, and growth. I’m proud to be part of it.” – Allison Robb, Dean of Academics

“I still love teaching after 20 years because I get to help shape the future by guiding kids to learn and grow. It’s exciting to help students build good character and become kind and responsible people.” – Venita Freeman, 2nd Grade Teacher

“I want to share my incredible experience I’ve had working at SSA Tucson. The friendly atmosphere has truly made me feel at home. When I first moved here, I had my worries, but the supportive administration has been amazing. They consistently offer help and encouragement, fostering a sense of community among us. It’s wonderful to see how everyone collaborates and supports each other.” – Ola Zayed, 1st Grade Teacher

Looking Ahead

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 was a powerful reminder of how much teachers mean to their school communities. These celebrations, big and small, showed how deeply appreciated educators are by students, families, and communities across the nation.

Thank you, educators, for everything you do.