1.Thank you. It’s a simple but meaningful phrase that people in this profession just don’t hear often enough.
2.We appreciate you. Teachers don’t just teach—they prepare us for the road ahead. Saying you appreciate that effort reminds teachers that their impact goes beyond the classroom.
3.You truly care about your students. Good teachers want to see their students succeed and are honored to be a mentor. Tell them you can feel their support and that it doesn’t go unappreciated.
4.I never forgot this one thing you said to me. Educators love to hear how a phrase they uttered—like “double-check your work” or “learn from your mistakes instead of dwelling on them”—stuck in your mind. They’ll also be happy the words didn’t go in one ear and out the other.
5.How can I help? Teachers can get overwhelmed by their workload. If you’re feeling generous, ask how you can help. It could be something as simple as donating books to their classroom library or volunteering to read or speak to their students. Big or small, there’s something you can do to help a teacher in your life!
6.Your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. Teachers give up their personal and family time to grade papers, prepare lessons, and attend conferences. And many people don’t realize teachers have to buy most of their classroom supplies out of pocket. Tell them their extra work means a lot to you. The compliment will certainly mean a lot to them.
7.You made this easy to understand. A teacher’s main goal is to teach. If they simplified something that used to be difficult for your kid to understand, let them know they’re good at their job. Better yet, have your kid tell them directly! Hearing the newly discovered confidence in your child’s voice will make the teacher so proud.
8.You’re making a huge impact. Let your teacher know how much value they add to your family’s life. If it’s someone your child can’t stop talking about, tell them how much your child loves being in their class! Teachers spend so much time with their students, and many of them love to feel like they’re part of the family.
9.I’m still using a skill you taught me. Maybe it’s the memory tricks that helped you recall the answers to your final exams or the time-management tips that helped you balance homework with your after-school job. It’s awesome for your teacher to hear how those skills are still helping you today with your job and your family.
10.I admire what you do. Too many people think that teaching is an easy profession—because teachers make it look easy! Simply tell a teacher that you recognize how hard their job is. That’s likely enough to make them smile.
11.My child wants to learn more about this. These words are music to a teacher’s ears! Teachers love to learn and get excited when students share that enthusiasm. This is another compliment that will probably mean even more if it comes straight from your kiddo.
12.I wouldn’t be where I am without you. Running your own business. Thriving in a career you love. Getting out of debt. Starting a charity. What teacher wouldn’t get a kick out of knowing they motivated you to achieve those things?
13.You deserve a break. Remind a teacher to keep their batteries charged! Many of us forget that teachers work overtime, because they tend to keep quiet about it. Encourage them to treat themselves, whether it be a spa day or a round of golf.