Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].

Today marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week. To say this past year has been challenging for them is an understatement.

Each level is a new devil. Whether they teach elementary school students, middle, high school or even college — each level of education has had its own challenge this year.

I know many room moms are collecting donations to give a collective class gift for the elementary schools, but often middle and high school teachers get left behind.

If you’re looking for some ideas, here’s a short list:

• A heartfelt note of appreciation and influence. My husband, who’s a high school teacher, has never seen the face of some of his students. He can’t make them turn their cameras on, and they chose to stay virtual. So it’s kind of hard to know if you’re having any kind of impact with literally ZERO interaction. If the teacher has made any kind of impact to your family this year, please share that with them. They may not know and I promise you an infusion of positivity and gratitude will help make everyone happier.
• Monetary gifts. I know some sentimental gifts are great, but teachers really do love gift cards!

Thank you to all of our teachers for their effort this year!