ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Have you thanked a teacher lately?

Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual, nationwide event all about celebrating educators. This year, the week spans Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9.

With 45 schools spread across six districts, many teachers in the Asheville area work for Buncombe County Schools.

“The Buncombe County Schools system is blessed with a community that values teachers. This is a special week where our students, parents, community partners, and school administrators provide special breakfasts, lunches, coffees, and treats,” wrote BCS communication specialist Ken Ulmer in an email.

“One of the most touching traditions is teachers receiving notes of appreciation from their students, sharing how much their caring, kindness, and support means to them. From families to PTSAs, PTSOs, community partners. businesses and beyond, BCS is tremendously appreciative of everyone who helps to celebrate our dedicated educators.”

Try these three ways to show your appreciation for a teacher in your life:

1. Write a thank you card

It’s a classic for a reason. Teacher Appreciation Week is a great time to break out the construction paper, scissors and glue to craft a handmade note of gratitude for your teacher. For bonus points, try to match your note to your teacher’s subject: for an English teacher, write a poem. For a science teacher, glue in a flower or a leaf. For a math teacher, “count” the ways they’ve inspired you.

2. Buy their morning coffee

Teachers get tired, too. Sometimes, the best way to thank an educator for waking up every morning ready to teach is with a gift card to your favorite local coffee shop. Or, if you bring a coffee in, try to write their name on the cup in your best cursive.

3. Plan a class surprise

A show of gratitude from one student is wonderful. A big thank-you from an entire class is another thing entirely. Talk to your fellow classmates about a way you can all show your appreciation for your teacher together. Maybe you each sign your name on or draw a picture for a poster. Or maybe you all contribute to getting your teacher a special lunch or a flower bouquet.

According to the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 3.8 million public school teachers working in the United States. Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity for us all to extend 3.8 million shouts of “thank you!”