Ways to show staff they’re appreciated:

We often photo and video staff during professional learning workshops, like our Summer Institute. Then we make a quick iMovie Magic Movie (just with the still photos, short video clips and music - of course) and then send that out or display on large screen at the district office. Teachers appreciate that they were included in the movie and appreciate being “seen” and recognized for their good work.

This is a great idea! Sadly we don't have this in Australia, but sometimes I find the little things like covering staff duties, displaying staff achievements on the walls (like we do with students) and in assembly time.

We actually got a fairly large grant with only one main purpose: teacher appreciation. We have a structured, but flexible, schedule for ways we are showing teacher appreciation. Some are merit based, others are simply appreciating the everyday nature of working in education.

When I was a principal, I would offer to take their recess or lunch duty and that was always a much appreciated hit!

Another idea was to get our PTA involved in helping buy gift cards that we gave out the 1st Monday of the Month to a couple of the teachers (Starbucks, Etc.).