Teacher Appreciation Day: Who Do You Thank?

If you can read this, thank a teacher.

May 7 is Teacher Appreciation Day, the day when we can express our thanks to educators who have helped their students excel. 

We'd like to know — which teachers in the Barnegat and Manahawkin area, past or present, have made a lasting impact? Has a particular teacher gone above and beyond to ensure that you or your child had the opportunity to succeed?

Tell us all about them in the comments section below!

If you're planning to thank a teacher with a gift, below is some advice. 

Historically, teachers tend to get fake apples and such, and apparently, they appreciate the sentiment, but... according to the Rev. Dr. Suzi Robertson of the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Washington, even teachers can have their fill of purely symbolic gifts.

"Teachers hate trinkets, fake apples and half-dead flowers," the cleric said. "They would rather get something practical they can use at their leisure.”

With that in mind, here is a list of suggestions to help you get an excellent grade on your next teacher appreciation gift.

1. Starbucks card or gift card to any store/restaurant they enjoy.

2. Get parents to pool their money together for a gift certificate for a massage.

3. Take a photo of each child in the class and ask him or her, "What do you appreciate the most about your teacher?" Assemble the photos with the student quotes and each student’s name into a collage and have it framed.

4. Cater your teacher's or school staff member’s lunch for a day or a week. 

5. Go the extra mile with a theme gift, such as a gift certificate for movie tickets, which can be put into a plastic popcorn box, along with several packages of microwave popcorn and movie theater-size candy treats.

6. Teachers appreciate gift certificates to local stores where they can purchase stickers, stamps or art supplies for their classrooms

7. Give a donation in their honor to their favorite charity.

8. Have parents contribute to a group gift of a gift certificate for a special activity the teacher can enjoy with his or her friends or family, such as a special date night at a Toms River restuarant.

9. Potted plants, like a mini herb garden or orchid, are teacher favorites.

10. Reduce his or her stress with a yoga or fitness class pass.