What It Means to Be a Teacher

Teachers. 

Right now, teachers from public, private, and charter schools are having a real time of it. So many of them are feeling the pressure to get back into the classroom in the middle of a pandemic and put their lives at risk. They are being asked to seriously consider what it means to be a teacher.

Our teachers are community heroes. And as they navigate these difficult times and make difficult decisions, we need to support them. 

I spotted this book in the pile next to my desk. After opening it and reading the entries, I knew I wanted to share it with you. 

What It Means to Be a Teacher (aff) is a small book dedicated to celebrating teachers. Inside are 150 entries that are meant to uplift or encourage teachers when they're having a rough day. 

This book is a vibrant and amusing way of recognizing the many hats that teachers wear as nurses, counselors, coaches, PR specialists, librarians, technology experts, writers and SO much more.

All the entries are presented so creatively that you could literally tear the pages of this book out and frame them to give as gifts. But the real gift is the book itself which is page after page of quotes that will make teachers laugh and smile. 

If you are looking for a way to tell your child's teacher(s) how much you appreciate them, then this is a lovely heartfelt gift that you can mail to them. 

My Summer Reading List & Giveaway

Summer is coming and I am so looking forward to relaxing moments of just sitting and doing nothing but reading (in between chasing kids, anyway).

I have three books on my list of must-reads. I'm not even sure in what order I'll start, but I'm excited about all three of them! I thought I would share them with you, and then, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, offer a giveaway of one of them.

What will you be reading?

This post contains affiliate links.

Becoming

by Michelle Obama

The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty 

by Susan Page

Rita Moreno: A Memoir

by Rita Moreno

Okay, I know I said 3 books, but IF I make it through all three this summer, and still have time, this one is next:

My Beloved World

by Sonia Sotomayor

I'm excited for me, aren't you?!? 

Okay, that said, let's move on to the giveaway!

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I'm giving away three hardback copies of Rita Moreno's autobiography. To enter to win, just use the Rafflecopter below.

¡Buena suerte!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

8 End-of-Year Teacher Gift Ideas

The school year is coming to an end! Honestly, I wouldn't mind if my kids would go year-round, but their teachers need a well-deserved break! They work very hard in the classroom and always end up doing school related work at home. Teachers need time to regroup, time to rest, and time to focus on next year. Yes, they even work summer hours.

So if you would like to show your appreciation, have your child take a little gift to Mr. or Mrs. to show their gratitude as the school days come to a close. It doesn't have to be expensive! Some schools allow parents to do group gifts and some people decide to make their own. You decide!

I pulled together 8 end-of-year gift ideas you can buy for your child's teacher with just a few clicks from your mouse.

1. Personal Stationery: 10 cards $15.90 You can't go wrong with a personalized gift like this. It's perfect for home or school and there are so many cute designs to choose from.

2. Ceramic Travel Mug: $12.95 This "double wall" ceramic mug is my personal favorite. The lid doesn't leak and nothing feels better than a real ceramic mug that travels well. 

3. Tote Bag: $28.00 Perfect for teacher's summer trips to the beach or a brand new bag for September. Totes have been reinvented and are much more stylish then ever before! Click HERE for another tote idea!

4. A Bestseller: $16.94 Teachers love students and parents who read for pleasure. Why not give one of your favorite books as a gift? A bestseller that everyone is talking about is such a great idea too. 

5. Summer Scarf: $14.99 A scarf is such a nice gift no matter what season we're in. Teachers love fun accessories as well. Here's a great one for male teachers! 

6. Small Charm: $26.00 We gave our oldest son's teacher one of these over the holidays. When my son sees her wear it, he notices and beams with pride! 

7. Personalized Gold Star Paperweight:  $20.00 A great gift for male and female teachers. Who doesn't need a good paperweight? Especially when children are around the teacher's desk all day long!

8. Class Photo Book: $8.00 and up For the second year in a row, our class has done a class yearbook for our teachers. Parents can submit their own pictures to the designated class parent who puts the book together. We have also added pictures of handwritten notes and illustrations the children create for their beloved teacher.

Do you have any other suggestions? Please share in the comments below!

Betty Galvan, is writing "for smart and stylish moms" over

at MyFriendBettySays.com