In education, you don’t need a research study to tell you that teachers are tired. You see it in your staff meetings, your inbox, and your classrooms. With workforce shortages, budget pressures, and burnout on the rise, one of the best things school leaders can do right now is simple: recognize your people.
Recognition isn’t just a feel-good bonus. It’s a leadership strategy that helps retain great educators, lift morale, and build a culture where teachers want to stay. Plus, when you take the time to call out actions you want to see from your team, the more likely your team is to repeat those actions. Even better—meaningful employee recognition doesn’t have to cost a thing!
Start Small and Stick With It
Building a culture of recognition doesn’t always come naturally—especially in schools where leaders are stretched thin and every minute of the day is spoken for. But like any habit, it gets easier with practice. Start small. Set a reminder to write one thank-you note a week or carve out five minutes to kick off a staff meeting with shout-outs. The key is consistency. The more you look for the good, the more you’ll see—and the easier it becomes to call it out.
Here are 10 easy ways to make sure the people on your team feel seen, valued and appreciated.
1. Say Thank You (Out Loud and Often)
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed thank you. Call out wins in staff meetings, one-on-one check-ins, or even in the hallway. Public recognition is a powerful morale-builder and reminds teachers they’re not invisible.
2. Get Specific With Your Praise
General praise is nice. Specific praise will make your teachers’ day, and they’re less likely to mistake your compliment for flattery. Instead of “Great job on that lesson,” point out the details. “Your use of peer feedback in that writing activity really helped students take ownership of their work.”
3. Celebrate More Than Test Scores
Test data is important, but it’s not the whole picture. Celebrate character, creative risks, small wins with tough students—all the things that shape school culture but don’t show up in a spreadsheet.
4. Let Students Do the Talking
Encourage students to write thank-you notes or give teacher shout-outs during assemblies. It means the world to hear that you’re making a difference—especially from the kids you show up for everyday.
5. Make Space for Peer Recognition
Teachers notice great work in each other. Create space for peer shout-outs during team meetings or hang a “kudos wall” in the lounge. When teachers lift each other up, everyone feels supported.
6. Write It Down
Handwritten notes hit differently. Keep a stack of cards in your desk and take five minutes to write a quick thank you. That note might live on a teacher’s desk for years.
7. Recognize Non-Instructional Staff
Bus drivers, cafeteria workers, front office staff, aides—every one of them helps your school succeed. When they feel appreciated, everyone benefits.
8. Ask for Input—and Use It
Want to show your team they matter? Ask what they think. Invite feedback. Include staff in decisions. Then act on it. Being heard is one of the most powerful forms of recognition there is.
9. Celebrate Achievements Outside the Classroom
Life outside away from school is also worth celebrating. Get to know your staff members and what they’re up to so you can share in their joy. Did they win an award, earn a degree, finish a half-marathon, or reach some other big, life-changing goal? Spread the word and give them three cheers.
10. Tie Recognition to Purpose
The best recognition connects daily work to a deeper mission. Remind your teachers that even the small things, like extra patience with a struggling student, are about more than good classroom management—they’re impacting young lives in ways that last a lifetime.
Lead With Gratitude
You don’t need a bigger budget or more hours in the day to recognize the people who keep your school running. You just need to pay attention—and speak up. Recognition is free, but it pays off big. So, take the time. Share the praise. And lead with gratitude.
