It's that time again.gettyTeacher Appreciation Week is this week. The National PTA is offering a free downloadable Celebration Toolkit complete with thank you cards and certificates of appreciation. Many retailers are offering freebies and discounts to teachers, and there are numerous articles highlighting many gift ideas for that teacher you want to honor this week. There is nothing wrong with the traditional tchotchkes. Many teachers have their treasured galleries of coffee cups and “World’s Greatest Teacher” items, and few teachers in May mind a little sugar boost from candy or chocolate. As someone who was in the classroom for almost 40 years, let me offer some three suggestions and a warning.A personal note.There are few things as powerful as a personal note of appreciation. Particularly in an era in which so much invective is hurled at teachers, a note expressing thanks and appreciation can be a real boost for a teacher. It can be something the teacher takes out from time to time to serve as a reminder that her work is seen and appreciated, that she really is making a difference for her students. For an extra twist, you can send a note to your child’s former teacher. It’s a note that carries extra weight because that teacher knows you aren’t just trying to butter her up for your child’s benefit. MORE FOR YOUThis week is also a fine time to send a note to one of your own former teachers. It is never too late to reach out with some appreciation for how a teacher affected the course of your life.A helping hand.Is your child’s teacher providing classroom supplies out of her own pocket? Find out what materials she needs but which the district won’t supply, and fill that gap a bit yourself. It could be something as simple as pencils or tissues. This is a gift that is more than just practical help; it helps the teacher know that she has a partner in trying to deal with the everyday supply issues.You may be able to find a local teacher’s needs listed on Donors Choose, a website that is a sort of GoFundMe for teachers. But be aware that many districts forbid their teachers from posting requests on Donors Choose. A voice.In your city, there may be officials (both inside and outside the school district) who attack schools and the people who work in them. You can be a voice pushing back against those attacks. Teachers in some cities can use defenders. If your appreciation is public and visible, it can help support teachers and education. There are few things as discouraging as having your character and profession disparaged, and nobody steps up to defend you. A warning.There is nothing less inspiring than getting a Teacher Appreciation Week plaudit from someone who has spent every other day of the year criticizing teachers. One day of performative support does not cancel out a year of mistreatment and neglect. Particularly if you an unsupportive school administrator or government bureaucrat given to treating teachers as if they are the problem in education, popping up with an “attagirl” this week, feels insulting, as if teachers are too foolish to see what you have been doing all year long. How much you do-- or don’t-- appreciate teachers is clear most of the year, and you won’t change that with just one “Teachers are swell” tweet.