A Big Thank You + Easy End-of-Year Ideas to Celebrate YOU
It’s that time of year again: Teacher Appreciation Week! 🎉 Whether you’re in survival mode or coasting toward summer break, one thing is true—you deserve to be celebrated. In the thick of May chaos, it’s easy to forget just how much impact you’ve had this year. So today, I’m here to remind you: YOU are the MVP.
From showing up when you were exhausted to finding creative ways to engage students even when they were so done, you’ve done incredible work. And just in case no one else has said it lately? Thank you.
In this week’s episode of The Modern Math Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing a big thank you AND giving you practical ideas to help make the rest of May easier—with bonus Teacher Appreciation Week deals to celebrate you.
👉 Watch here: Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen here: In your Favorite Podcast App
Why Teacher Appreciation Week Matters
Let’s be honest—teaching in May is no joke. The days are long, students are distracted, and your energy might be running on empty. But this week is a reminder that your work matters. Whether you helped a student finally master slope or simply made your classroom a safe, welcoming place, you’ve made a difference.
Teacher Awards: A Little Fun to Celebrate You
In the episode, I share some fun (and oh-so-relatable) end-of-year teacher superlatives, including:
- ☕ Most Likely to Have Coffee in Both Hands Before 7:30 AM
- 📱 Most Creative Way to Say “Phones Away” Without Screaming
- 🎶 Most Likely to Teach Slope Using TikTok References
- 🌀 Most Organized Chaos During Group Projects
- ✨ Most Extra End-of-Year Bulletin Board
Sound like you? Then you’re in good company. 😉
Low-Prep Math Activities to Save Your Sanity
If you’re hunting for activities that keep students learning and lighten your planning load, here are my top picks—all part of my Teacher Appreciation Week deals on TpT:
1️⃣ Rocket Launch Project: Real-world quadratic functions that get students excited.
2️⃣ Wasted Space Project: A hands-on geometry task using volume and surface area.
3️⃣ Going Viral: An engaging exponential functions project based on real data.
4️⃣ Stained Glass Project: Mix creativity + linear equations for a crowd-pleaser.
5️⃣ Review Warm-Ups + Bell Ringers: Keep routines steady and skills sharp daily.
👉 Grab them all on sale this week: Shop Now
What’s Next?
Big news: Our 100th episode is coming up next week! 🎉 I’ll be sharing a special reflection and fun shout-outs—so be sure to tune in. Plus, keep an eye out for our Summer Series: bite-sized, bingeable episodes to inspire and equip you for next year (without the overwhelm).
Final Thoughts
No matter how this year has gone, I want you to know: You are appreciated. Thank you for everything you do to support your students and keep math learning meaningful.
Grab your favorite caffeinated drink, take a deep breath, and celebrate YOU this week—you’ve earned it.
Keep reflecting, keep showing up, and as always—keep it real.
