I have kids in four different schools and my inbox has been slammed with an abundance of creative ideas to show “teacher appreciation” before the end of the school year. 

“Send a note of appreciation and we’ll add it to a keepsake box!”

“Have your child draw a picture of themselves with the teachers!”

“We’re collecting $10 per child to get the teachers a gift certificate!”

“Can you volunteer at the end-of-year staff appreciation luncheon?”

Yes, yes, yes, and yes. These teachers are my heroes. They shape and grow my little (and bigger) humans into the best versions of themselves – often because of the influence and guidance of their amazing teachers, and despite their input from me. How do I thank these incredible people who have obviously followed a calling? For the million ways they teach and inspire every day? For thinking and worrying about my kids even when they’re off the clock? A candy-filled “Great Teacher!” mug is hardly enough – but my kids have over thirty teachers between them. Each one deserves an all-expenses-paid vacation in Bali for all the holding and helping and guiding they did this year, but I can’t possibly show my gratitude to all of them in the way they deserve. And wow, do they deserve gratitude.

This quest for a meaningful show of gratitude got me thinking. What about all of the adult educators that we have encountered this year? All of the clergy who have given sermons that helped us through a moment of unease. Or the thoughtful writers who took the time to publish a blog post that helped make sense of this wild moment in history. Or the online classes we pop into here and there to listen to someone sharing a piece of Torah or wisdom to nourish and grow our own ever-evolving souls? How do we thank them? We certainly owe them an enormous debt........

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