Surprise a Teacher: A Heartfelt Moment of Gratitude

A Surprise Appreciation is a heartfelt way to honor a teacher who’s made a lasting impact. This is how it works. A current or former student reaches out to us with their teacher’s contact information and tells us a little about their experience. We then invite the teacher to a Zoom conversation under the pretense of discussing their experiences in the classroom. Meanwhile, the student waits behind the scenes on Zoom—ready to surprise their teacher with a few words of gratitude!

This special moment is recorded and shared across our social channels and website, allowing others to witness the incredible impact of dedicated educators. Surprise Appreciations first launched in 2020, and since then, we’ve seen the power of these reunions to uplift and inspire.

Be Part of Teacher Appreciation Week 2025!

We’re collecting new Surprise Appreciation videos and personal stories to feature throughout Teacher Appreciation Week, starting May 6, 2025. If you’d like to participate and thank a teacher (virtually) in a BIG way, fill out the nomination form below.

📩 How It Works:

Submit your teacher’s name and contact information.
Share just a bit about why this teacher deserves to be recognized and what you’d like to say to them.
If selected, we’ll coordinate a surprise Zoom call with your teacher.
The moment will be recorded and shared to celebrate their dedication and impact.

Note: We carefully review each nomination, and while we can’t accommodate all submissions, we will reach out if your teacher is selected for a Surprise Appreciation.

NOMINATE A TEACHER