Five Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Ideas That Dismantle Oppressive Structures

My best little protest buddy and I rallying together to fund public education several years ago.

Gearing up for or celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week!?

Whether you are a parent, administrator, colleague, community member, or elected official, if you TRULY want to show teachers how much you appreciate them, you will do more than say thanks or get them a gift card to companies that support oppression here and abroad.

Here's a two minute read that will help you with Teacher Appreciation Week gift ideas that dismantle oppressive structures.

Teaching is a work of HEART, and it is always beyond humbling to know we are appreciated by the students and families we serve, and that is all the more reason for us to be fierce advocates for ourselves and the children we teach. Remember- oppressive structures harm us all, so this year, give the teachers in your life a teacher appreciation week gift that helps dismantle systems of injustice. Here are five ideas to get you started!

Prefer to watch a quick reel instead of reading? Click here to see this information presented on my Instagram account instead!

1. Write and call your school board representatives to advocate for an increase in teacher salary. Even better, show up to a school board meeting and speak during public comment to advocate for the teachers you know and love!
   

2. Vote for candidates who are pro-union and who invest in public education. Do NOT vote for candidates who try to ban books, vilify teachers, or restrict curriculum.
   

3. Insist that your child's school has a clear plan for recruiting, supporting, and retaining BIPOC educators. This plan should include safeguarding racial and gender studies, diverse book collections, and affirming students' identities, at minimum!
   

4. Protect your teachers and speak up for them when they are targeted by racist, homophobic, transphobic, and extremist community members.
   

5. Support teachers in creating safe spaces for social-justice oriented discussions. Don't punish or publicly criticize educators for creating affirming and inclusive spaces for our kids!
   

Want more information on how to put these ideas into action? I would love to hear from you!