Looking to spread some cheer and show your appreciation for the student teacher in your life? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of eight fabulous gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their face and make their transition into teaching even more exciting. From practical teaching supplies and books to meaningful keepsakes, these student teacher gifts are guaranteed to show your support and encouragement as they embark on their teaching journey. So get ready to surprise and delight with these fantastic gift ideas for student teachers!
Professional Development Resources
Let’s face it – professional development resources aren’t cheap, especially for a new teacher. That’s one reason why I suggest providing books, articles, or online courses related to education or the subject matter the student teacher taught during their placement. This shows support for their continued growth as an educator.
Here are some recommended books:
- 7 Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny
- A Fresh Look at Phonics by Wiley Blevins
- Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates
- The First Six Weeks of School by Center for Responsive Schools Inc.
- The Writing Revolution by Judith C. Hochman and Natalie Wexler
- Uncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide
- The First Days of School by Harry Wong and Rosemary Wong
- Speech to Print by Louisa Cook Moats
One way you could personalize this gift is by adding sticky notes to particularly important chapters, or even jotting down a few notes here and there. You’ve likely provided lots of great teacher inspiration throughout your student teacher’s time with you, and making some notes of your specific strategies will surely be appreciated!
Personalized Card or Note
Giving someone a handwritten card or note is still one of the most meaningful ways to show appreciation. Write a heartfelt letter expressing gratitude for your student teacher’s hard work, dedication, and contributions to the classroom. Include specific examples of their impact on students and the learning environment in your classroom.
You could also add a bouquet of flowers to accompany the card or note!
Classroom Supplies
Another well-known secret is that classrooms don’t just magically appear overnight – they require time, effort, and money. Consider putting together a basket of new teacher goodies! Give your student teacher a head start by gifting them some supplies they may need for their future classroom, such as:
- Pocket charts
- Desk supplies
- A good pencil sharpener
- Teacher lanyard (there are lots of cute ones on Etsy!)
- Tote bag
- Classroom decor, such as bulletin board borders
- Pens, pencils, and dry erase markers
- Personal laminator and pouches
- A class set of whiteboards
- Books for their classroom library
- Organizer with drawers
- Water bottle
Gift Cards
I don’t know about you, but I always love getting a gift card! Amazon, Starbucks, Target, and TPT are always popular choices for teachers. Gift cards are a great way to get your students’ families involved, too – for example, they may want to pitch in $5 to contribute toward a larger gift card.
Student Gifts and Keepsakes
Be sure to give your students the opportunity to make something special for their student teacher! Here’s a tip for making gifts from your students. Toward the end of your student teacher’s time in your school, have them go observe other classrooms for a day! Works like a charm! 🙂
Here are some gifts your students can make for their student teacher:
Cards:
A simple card template is all you need for this gift! I have some free ones here. Students can decorate the front and write a special note inside.
Thank You Book:
Another idea is to put together a class “Thank You” book! Each student will complete a page. Then you can bind it together or put it in a binder with page protectors. Either way, this gift will certainly be appreciated and treasured!
To save you some time, I have a free class book template for you! Just enter your information below and it will be sent to your inbox.
Other Special Mementos and Keepsakes
Specially made keepsakes are something your student teacher will treasure through their years of teaching. Consider giving them a personalized gift, such as a framed photo of the class, a tote bag with the students’ handprints on it, a custom-made mug, or a framed picture signed by your class.
(I can truthfully say that a photo of your student teacher with the class will be treasured – here’s me with my 2nd grade class on my last day of student teaching!)
One of my favorite ideas is to buy a picture book and have each student sign their name inside. Here are some great books to use!
- A Teacher Like You by Frank Murphy and Barbara Dan
- How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan
- Because I Had a Teacher by Yobi Ramada
- Dear Teacher: A Celebration of People Who Inspire Us by Paris Rosenthal
(Just have some tissues handy if you go this route – it’s worth it, though!)
Reference Letter or Recommendation
A no-cost gift that can make a big impact is a letter of recommendation. Write a strong reference letter or recommendation to help your student in their future job search. Additionally, let them know that you are available as a mentor or resource even after their student teaching placement ends! Offer to provide guidance or advice as they navigate their teaching career.
Celebratory Coffee, Lunch or Dinner
Treat them to coffee or a special meal to commemorate the end of their student teaching experience and to express appreciation for their hard work and dedication. You could do this one on one with your student teacher, or invite your grade level team to tag along!
Celebrate your student teacher!
Remember, the most meaningful gifts are often those that show thoughtfulness and support for the student teacher’s professional growth and future career. These gift ideas will show appreciation from you and your class, and will be treasured for years to come!
