Support Over Swag: How Parents Can Truly Appreciate Teachers

Teacher Appreciation Week is fast approaching. It’s a week many parents look forward to — a time to buy little gifts and create fun surprises to show teachers just how much they’re valued.

No doubt, teachers enjoy these thoughtful gestures. However, what’s even more meaningful is how parents show appreciation all year long.

Daniele Pepe is a kindergarten teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School. She’s been there for 15 years — and it shows. Her smile is bright as she talks about her students, her classroom is an explosion of color, numbers and letters, and her eyes light up when she describes the strong community at Roosevelt.

“I’ve been here 15 years, and I feel very lucky to be at this school,” she says. “The parents are always asking, ‘What do you need? How can I help?’”

Pepe says communication is key when it comes to the parent-teacher relationship. One meaningful way parents can show appreciation is simply by reading and responding to emails and messages sent home.

Something as small as remembering library day or having their child wear a certain color for spirit day shows they’re engaged and paying attention.

When parents and teachers work together, she says, students grow more and have a better educational experience.

Another important way parents can show appreciation is by going to the teacher first when there’s a problem, instead of immediately contacting administration.

“Come to me first! We have to know the situation,” she explains. “If something happened at lunch or recess — we can’t see everything. Just let us know. Chances are, it can be handled very simply.”

Kindness, she adds, also goes a long way.

“Remember, we are human beings. We are not saints. We do make mistakes. We’re here to educate your child and keep them safe — but words hurt. When parents are mean, it hurts. Just remember, we’re human too.”

For the most part, Pepe says, parents truly want to support their child’s education. Whether it’s volunteering time or donating simple supplies like tissues, those efforts make a difference.

She values building relationships with parents, and says those connections often lead to the most successful school years.

But the most meaningful form of appreciation?

Simple words of thanks.

“Sometimes I get a random message from a parent that says, ‘You’re doing a good job.’ Or even better, when a student goes home, shares what they’ve learned, and that parent takes the time to email me and say thank you … that’s gold. That’s a million bucks right there.”

“The kids say they love you, and I love them. But when parents see their growth and say thank you—just thank you—it’s my favorite thing.”

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8. Thank you to our amazing teachers in Hillsborough County Public Schools for making a difference every day, with every child!

Related stories you might love:

• Teacher to Know: Christi Atkinson, Hillsborough County Public Schools Teacher of the Year

• The Science of Beauty – in Hillsborough County Public Schools

• Leading the Way: A Vision for Excellence in Hillsborough County Public Schools

Originally Published in the May 2026 Issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine | All images courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Schools