The first week of every May is Teacher Appreciation Week.  This week-long celebration is a time when the community, students, and parents show their appreciation and gratitude to teachers and educators for their commitment and dedication to providing quality education throughout the year.  Their appreciation is exhibited through thoughtful cards, small gifts, and even posters and banners displayed around the school.  I think we can all agree how wonderful it feels to be appreciated and how special it is to be acknowledged for the hard work, dedication and energy that we put into our daily teaching efforts.

This concept of Teacher Appreciation Week got me thinking.  Why is it that we need a special week or even other people to show us that what we do every day does make a difference?  I think it’s time to start recognizing and appreciating the work we do on a daily basis.

Let me share some of my best practices for self-appreciation:

• Start engaging in self-appreciation today and take the time to recognize all of the work you do.
• One of my personal favorites is to take a few minutes at the end of each day and identify two or three things that you did well and identify your role in making those things happen. I know this sounds simple, however, let me assure you, it’s not that easy.  Our minds want to tell us about all the things we didn’t do well.  I’m going to challenge you, write them down and share them with a friend or a colleague.
• At the end of your work week, sit down and write yourself a quick little appreciation letter/card. Acknowledge how you personally made a difference and how your efforts matter.  I know this might sound a little silly but it feels great!  Remember, no one else will see it.
• Do something nice for yourself! Treat yourself to a healthy lunch or end your work week enjoying a relaxing massage, manicure or pedicure.  When someone asks you what’s the special occasion, tell them I’m appreciating myself for all my hard work as an educator.

Appreciation comes in all shapes and forms. Whether it’s from someone else or through self-appreciation, what matters is that you embrace who you are and what you do daily.