Staff Wellbeing

Staff Wellbeing Resources for School Leaders

Supporting your staff’s physical and mental health ensures that your team shows up for their students. Find tools that offer simple practices to support teachers and turn wellbeing into a positive school climate.

Printable sheet of On a Tough Day note cards beside two completed When Things Feel Tough cards for a staff wellbeing activity

Here for You Notes: A 3-Step Staff Wellbeing Activity

A staff wellbeing activity for a hard day

5-10 minutes

Two sheets of paper lay on a wood table. Around them are apple slices, jars of caramel sauce, and a tray of nuts.

Apple Nacho Bar: A Fall Food Idea for Your Next Staff Meeting

An apple nachos fall food idea for your teachers and staff.

10-15 min

A holiday present wrapped in red and white paper lays on a desk.

Classroom White Elephant

A staff gift exchange with items already in their classroom.

15 min

Printable holiday staff activities, including idea pages and a December 2026 countdown calendar, with markers and sticky notes on a green background.

12 Days of Festive Fun: Holiday Staff Activities Before Break

Holiday staff activities for 12 school days, with dress-up, treat, activity, and gift ideas

5-15 min per day for staff

Feather Frenzy Thanksgiving staff game printables: a turkey body to color, a cover page, and game directions with markers

Feather Frenzy: A School Team Building Game

A Thanksgiving staff activity where colleagues steal paper feathers from each other.

Ongoing

Printable Snow Ya Later poem cards for a winter break staff activity, shown next to a plush snowman, pens, and washi tape

Snow Ya Later: A Winter Break Staff Activity

A winter break staff activity with a traveling snowman.

Ongoing over winter break

Printed gratitude question cards, a cover page, and a display sign for a staff gratitude activity laid out on a blue background with a yellow tape dispenser and red paper stars.

30 Days of Gratitude: Daily Gratitude Activities for Staff

A gratitude activity for staff with 30 daily questions you can place in your staff lounge.

2-5 min per staff member

Holiday staff appreciation printables on a pink background, including a staff checklist on a clipboard, door signs, note cards, and a directions sheet, surrounded by mini wrapped gifts and markers.

You’ve Been Wrapped: A Holiday Staff Appreciation Idea

A holiday staff appreciation pass-it-on chain idea

5-10 min per staff member

Two women sit on a bench in front of a window and wall with children's drawings on it. They are smiling at each other and have notebooks in the laps.

A Guide to Stay Interviews

Keep great teachers by having the right conversations.

10–15 min

Find the Elf directions page and elf template for a holiday staff activity, with scissors, tape, pens, and paper clips

Find the Elf: A Holiday Staff Activity

A holiday staff activity with photo elves, prize ideas, and printables

Hunt runs over several days

Staff gratitude jar printables, including the cover page and 3-step sign, with markers, sticky notes, tape, and twine on a yellow background

Gratitude Jar: A 4-Step Gratitude Activity for Staff

A gratitude activity for staff that collects 1-2 thank-you notes per person each week all month long.

2-3 min per note

Dipsgiving: A Staff Thanksgiving Potluck

A staff Thanksgiving food idea that offers a twist on the traditional potluck.

Ongoing

Three Finding Joy in the Little Moments printables with joy ideas for early childhood teachers, leaders, and family child care providers

Find Your Joy: An Early Childhood Educator Morale Booster

A teacher morale booster for early childhood educators with ways to find and share joy

5-10 min to start, plus small moments throughout the week

Two women sit in chairs facing one another. One woman sits facing the other with a clipboard and pen in her hand. Other woman is smiling.

Coaching Conversations That Count

A process to guide teacher or principal coaching conversations that celebrate and support.

10 min

An orange notebook with two notecards on it, three small notecards, blue pens, and blue tape dispenser lay on a pink background.

5-Minute Professional Development Ideas for Teachers

Five simple, low-prep ideas for supporting staff growth and building confidence throughout the year.

5 min

Two woman stand in a library. They high-five each other.

High Five Friday

An activity to spark quick check-ins and conversations while offering a small reward.

Ongoing

A woman stands in front of a white pegboard with posters taped to it. Assorted office supplies are on the table in front of the pegboard.

Year of Thanks: Year-Round Teacher Recognition for Every Team

A yearlong staff recognition system that spotlights a different department or grade level each month.

Varies

A small cart with a glass jar, plant, pens and notes sits in front of a white wall. A poster above the card says "joy jar." A hand reaches in to drop a note in the jar.

Joy Jar: A Month-Long Staff Wellness Activity for Schools

A month-long activity where staff write down joyful moments and add them to a shared jar.

Ongoing

Notecards with handwritten notes on them lay diagonally on a light blue background.

Gratitude & Celebration: Teacher Appreciation Note Templates

Printable postcards for school leaders to thank staff in writing.

3-5 min

Four people sit around a table scattered with papers with images of food on them.

Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Game: A Staff Icebreaker

A quick warmup at the start of a staff meeting or gathering to get people talking.

10-15 min

Several sheets of paper, one with writing on it, sit on a wooden desk. A blue pen, sticky notes, jar of pens, small plant, and coffee cup are placed around the paper.

TGIF Reflection: An End-of-Week Teacher Activity

A simple end-of-week reflection that helps staff reflect on positive moments.

5–10 min

A paper that says "place found pumpkins here" sits on a table with a pumpkin next to it. A hand places small pumpkins in a jar.

Mini Hunt: A Fall Employee Engagement Activity for Your School

A playful staff appreciation activity where teachers search the school for hidden pumpkins or leaves.

Ongoing

A white, stuffed alpaca sits on a shelf in front of green and purple bulletin boards. A handwritten note is propped up in front of the alapca.

Mascot Pass: A Weekly Teacher Appreciation Activity

A weekly recognition tradition that keeps appreciation moving all year long.

5 min

A notecard with a written note, scissor, and paper clips lay on a green background.

9 Ways to Welcome New Teachers and Staff to Your School

Pick the ideas that fit your team and your style.

Ongoing

Six pieces of paper are taped to a white wall with colorful sticky notes placed all around. Two people reach in from each side to place more sticky notes.

Sticky Note Staff Check-In

An easy way to ask your staff how they’re doing.

10–15 min

A poster that says "I've been booed" Is taped on a glass door. A hand holds a Halloween bag and small note.

You've Been Booed: A Halloween Activity for School Staff

A teacher recognition idea keeps a fun BOO chain of treats and notes moving.

Ongoing

Four notecards taped to a desk chair. The chair is in front of a white desk with papers and jar of pencils.

Desk Drops & Daily Joy: Small Surprises that Boost Teacher Morale

A toolkit for school leaders to show appreciation, strengthen staff connection, and celebrate the everyday.

Ongoing

Two women sit at a table looking at each other and smiling. Pens, paper and coffee cups are on the table. There is a shelf with books and school supplies in the background.

One-on-One Meeting Template for Principals

A simple way to connect, listen, and grow with your team.

15 min

A stack of small paper coupons lay in a blue container with a pair of scissors on the side. On a bright green background.

Reward & Recognize: Printable Teacher Award Coupons

Printable recognition your staff will want to cash in.

Ongoing

Someone passes a coupon on to another person in front of a white desk with a plan and pens on it.

Take Ten: A Mental Health Break for Teachers During the School Day

A simple way for school leaders to give teachers and staff a 10–15 minute break during the school day.

10–15 min

Three people stand in front of a yellow wall with pens in their hands, pointing and laughing. Sheets of paper that say BINGO are taped on the wall.

Little Wins Write-In Bingo: Teacher Bingo for Your School

A shared board for Little Wins that add up.

Ongoing

A side view of a piece of paper with a plant vine next to it on a bright green background.

Center & Ground: Mindfulness for Teachers with 4 Practices

Simple grounding exercises for your staff to breathe, reset, and start the day steady.

1 min

Several handwritten notes are placed on a while bulletin board. Beside them is a whiteboard eraser in the shape of an alpaca in a holder that says "little wins."

Staff Shoutouts: Teacher Morale Boosters

A set of sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.

1-2 min per card

An array of snacks in blue bags sits in front of a wall with a poster and blue sticky-notes.

Out of the Blue: A Snack Cart Idea to Delight Your Staff

A snack cart idea that shows appreciation to your staff with a fun, blue-themed cart.

Ongoing

A hand drops a handwritten note in a small tray on a desk. An open laptop, coffee mug, sticky notes and pens are on the desk.

Greatness Nextdoor: A Teacher Peer Observation Activity

A peer classroom observation activity for teacher growth and connection

10 min

One woman stands in front of a TV screen with words written on it. Two women sit at a table looking at her and smiling.

Spot It Charades Icebreaker

A silent, fast-paced icebreaker.

10-15 min

Sheets of paper, notecards, pens, and tape lay on a light purple background.

Hidden Superpowers

A chance for staff members to be seen for something beyond their job title.

10-15 min

A piece of paper that says "attendance bingo" lays on a desk with a calendar and open laptop.

8 Staff Attendance Incentives that Build Belonging

Options to turn consistent attendance into a shared moment of team recognition.

Ongoing

One person holds a clipboard with a piece of paper on it, and a pen in hand. Two others stand around, and all three point at the clipboard.

Common Thread

A fast, no-prep icebreaker where small groups race to find the most unique things they all have in common.

10-15 min

Three notecards each with one word on them are taped to a red wood wall. A hand reaches in from the side to tape one more notecard on the wall.

One Word Values Activity

A goal-setting template and activity that helps your staff start the year with focus and intention.

20-30 min

Cut-out puzzle pieces, sheets of paper, scissors, and pens lay on a dark blue background.

Piece By Piece

Celebrate every role on your school team, one puzzle piece at a time.

Ongoing

A man and woman stand facing each other. Each holds a clipboard. They are talking and laughing.

Together We Thrive: Team-Building for New & Veteran Staff

Find activities that build trust, connection, and belonging all year long.

15 min (per session)

Sheets of paper lay on a light blue background. A bin with notecards and a pen in it lays on top of the paper. A pair of scissors is next to the bin.

Shoutouts That Shine

A simple guide to recognizing staff on your school's social media pages.

5-10 min

Sheets of paper, clipboard, markers, and scissors lay on a yellow background.

Whose Clue is it Anyway?

A team building activity for teachers turns any staff meeting into a playful guessing game.

15-20 min

Three sheets of paper that say "team value ideas" streamers, sticky notes, and tape lay on a green background.

Establish Your Team Values

A collaborative staff activity that gets everyone on the same page from day one.

30–45 min

A hand writes on a postcard that says "welcome to the team."

Postcards to Welcome New Staff to Your Building

A low-prep onboarding activity that helps school leaders build connection from day one.

5 min

A woman stands in a doorway to a school waving. Two women walk toward her.

Back-to-School Night Ideas That Families Will Remember

A list of ideas to engage families and students.

1-2 hours

A poster and paper that says "August 2026," markers, confetti, and pens lay on an orange tray on a light blue background.

August: National Holidays to Celebrate Your Staff

A month-by-month staff appreciation resource that turns national holidays into ready-made celebration moments.

Varies by holiday

A hand holds up a pennant that says "first day" on it. Blue sky in the background.

Celebrating the First Day: Fun Ways to Welcome Students

A menu of easy, high-energy ideas to make your school's first day feel like a celebration.

20-45 min

A man sits at a desk, smiling at a woman sitting across from him. Papers and a plant are on the desk.

A Quick Guide to Honest Conversations

One-on-one check-in questions that help school leaders open honest conversations.

15–30 min

A person sitting at a table writes a hand-written note.

Celebration Notes

A ready-to-print stack of little notes that go a long way.

A crockpot, stack of bowls, and spoons lay on a green table. Behind it is a white wall with a poster on it.

Crocktober

A crockpot potluck with a free sign-up sheet, a cozy way to bring your staff together in October each year.

30–45 min

A man stands at a whiteboard writing on notecards with peoples' names on them.

Staff Superpowers

One of the easiest teacher recognition ideas for building a proud, connected school culture.

Ongoing

Two women stand and each hold a small piece of paper toward one another.

Teacher Telepathy Icebreaker

A staff meeting icebreaker where teachers write words to match a colleague.

15-20 min

A poster that says "corner 2" is taped to an orange wall. A hand reaches in to place a list of questions below it.

Who's In My Corner Icebreaker

A fun, no-prep way to kick off any staff meeting or PD day.

15–30 min

Hands hold a small piece of paper that says "let's talk" on it. Several other small notecards lay on a table with notebooks and pens.

Let's Talk Table

A low-key way to connect with staff and build real trust, one conversation at a time.

15–30 min

A poster with "welcome back" sits on a wooden table. Next to it is a sticky note pad where someone writes a note with a blue pen. Scattered around are small bags of snacks.

Back to School Bash

A snack cart send-off to welcome your staff back and kick off the year right.

30–45 min

Two women sit at a table, one smiles at the other. There are notecards and pens in their hands.

Fun Fact Frenzy

A quick, no-prep staff meeting icebreaker where staff write surprising facts about themselves and the group guesses whose it whose.

2 min

A stack of small bags of chips sits on a table with a sign posted on the wall behind them. A hand reaches in to grab a bag.

All That and a Bag of Chips

A themed snack cart to celebrate your staff as the full package.

30-45 min

Multiple sheets of paper, markers, confetti and tape lay on a table.

Teacher Celebration Styles Quiz

A staff appreciation activity that helps you learn how each teacher likes to be celebrated.

15-20 min

Two women hold bingo cards and face each other. Each are writing on the cards. Background is a multicolored rug.

Back-to-School Team Building Bingo

A fun staff meeting icebreaker your team will love. This bingo activity gets staff moving, talking, and connecting in just 10 minutes.

10-15 min

A person writes on the sidewalk with chalk. Message says "outdoor movie night."

Outdoor Family Engagement Activities

Outdoor family engagement activities for schools, from picnics to glow runs, that help families and staff connect.

30-60 min

Two women stand in front of a whiteboard placing sticky notes underneath posters that say belonging, safety, and voice.

Pulse and Perspective

A yearlong bulletin board for staff reflection and connection.

Ongoing

The back of a woman with long blonde hair in a black sweatshirt stands. A hand reaches in with a notecard and handwritten note on it.

Behind Your Back

A peer recognition activity where staff write positive "gossip" about a colleague.

Ongoing

A man stands in front of a bulletin board with photos on it. He writes on a piece of paper.

Guess the Classroom

An activity that works for any group size and gives teams a quick look into each other's classrooms.

Ongoing

A woman sits at a desk with an open laptop on it, writing on a piece of paper. A brick wall and whiteboard are in the background.

Two Stars and a Wish

A structured peer feedback format where staff share two specific strengths and one growth suggestion.

10-15 min

Someone stands in front of a cart with pumpkins and orange treats on it.

Trick or Treat Trolley

A candy-filled cart leaders can wheel around to surprise staff with treats.

Ongoing

A tea station with flowers is set up on a table. A hand reaches in and pours water into a mug.

TEA-riffic Teachers

A simple, yet effective staff appreciation activity.

Ongoing

Two sheets of paper lay on a white table. Small bowls of nacho ingredients lay around them.

Taco + Nacho Bar

Let staff build their own lunch and connect over food.

30–45 min

A colorful poster lays on a table. Scattered around it are small snacks, and a hand reaches in to grab a snack.

Sweet + Salty Potluck

A staff potluck idea that is quick and easy for people to engage with.

Ongoing

A man stands in front of a table in a library reading off a piece of paper. At the table, two women stand and two women sit.

Stand Up If

A fast, fun staff meeting icebreaker where teachers stand up if a statement applies to them.

5-10 min

A stack of books and a sheet of paper lay on a yellow table.

Staff Book Club

A staff book club gives your team a low-key way to explore new ideas, spark conversation, and grow together professionally.

20-30 min

A red soup pan, bowls and spoons, and vases of flowers sit on a table in front of a poster.

Soup Potluck

A cozy, low-prep way to bring your team together and show appreciation.

30–45 min

Two women sit at a wooden table. One writes on a sheet of paper. Notebooks, pens, a laptop, and post-it notes are scattered on the table.

Similarities and Differences

A quick, low-prep icebreaker where staff mingle and discover one similarity and one difference with each colleague they meet.

15-20 min

A man and a woman take a selfie in a stairwell. A woman goes down the stairs behind them.

Quick! Take a Pic

A fun team building activity for teachers.

10–15 min

Popcorn Bar

An easy way to treat your team and say thanks.

20-30 min

Pay it Forward

A peer-to-peer recognition activity where staff pass along rewards.

Ongoing

A woman stands in a classroom in front of a large television screen pointing at it. A woman sits in front of her writing on a piece of paper on a clipboard.

Observation & Evaluation Jitters

A quick reflection activity with free printable cards for staff.

10-15 min

A woman in a red dress stands in a library. In front of her is a table with three women at it, two of them are raising their hands.

Mystery Staff Member

A fun back-to-school icebreaker where staff fill out an "About Me" form.

15-20 min

In a classroom, hands hold up a corded phone and a piece of paper.

Morning Mantras

A low-prep habit for school leaders: share a positive quote or phrase during morning or weekly announcements.

1-2 min

A bowl of jumbo marshmallows sits on a shelf. Three toothpicks with paper flags and names on them are stuck in the marshmallows.

Marshmallow Wars

A playful all-day staff game where teachers compete to collect colleague names.

Ongoing

A woman sits at a wooden desk with markers and a potted plant on it. She is writing with a green pen on a sheet of paper.

Look Back on My Day

A simple end-of-day reflection printable for school leaders.

5 min

A man sits at a desk writing. In the background is a clipboard with a sheet of paper on it.

Supporting Teachers Through Challenging Behaviors

A practical guide and printable desk card that gives a clear plan for when they feel unsafe at school.

Ongoing

A hand-written note sits in a pencil and pen holders on a wooden desk.

Gratitude Notes

A set of free printable thank-you cards leaders can leave for staff throughout the year.

2-3 min

A women sits in a classroom at a desk grading papers.

Grading Grind

A quick reflection activity with free printable cards to help staff reset and refocus.

10-15 min

Two women hold bingo sheets and write on them with pens. A colorful rug is in the background.

Find Someone Who Icebreaker

A staff meeting icebreaker that gets people moving and connecting fast.

10-15 min

A casserole dish, utensils, plates, pens and sunflowers sit on a table in front of a brick wall. Two posters are handing on the wall.

Family Favorites Potluck

An easy way for staff to share a favorite dish together this year.

30-45 min

A woman sits at a white table writing on a notecard. A piece of paper, marks in a jar, stapler and water bottle site on the table beside the notecard.

Creating a Positive Mindset

A printable graphic that helps school leaders and their staff reframe challenges with a solution-focused approach.

Ongoing

A poster hangs on a bright green bulletin board. A hand reaches in from the right and places a handwritten note underneath the poster.

Collaborative Positivity Boards

A shared bulletin board where staff and students contribute uplifting quotes, artwork, gratitude notes, and school accomplishments.

Ongoing

Coffee mugs, to-go cups, a kettle, and coffee supplies sit on a wooden table in front of a peg board. A poster and handwritten notes are taped to the peg board. A hand reaches in to grab a coffee mug.

Coffee & Compliments

A coffee station paired with a compliment board where staff leave anonymous notes of appreciation.

Ongoing

Small boxes of cereal, plastic spoons and bowls lay on a table. In the background is a brown wall with a poster that says "our staff is cereal-iously the best."

Cereal-iously the Best Staff

A low-prep treat that gives staff a quick break and a sweet reminder that you appreciate them.

Ongoing

A crock pot with potatos and small dishes with food toppings lay on a table. Two sheets of paper lay next to them.

Baked Potato Bar

An easy and filling way to treat your team and show appreciation this year.

30–45 min

A white board is covered in colorful sticky notes and a piece of paper is taped at the top that says "you said, we did." A hand reaches in from the left and places another sticky note on the board.

You Said, We Did Board

A way to visually display staff feedback paired alongside leadership actions.

Ongoing

Sheets of paper, clipboard, and markers lay on a blue background.

Sweater Weather Wellness

A fall-themed staff wellbeing bingo card with cozy self-care activities.

Ongoing

Several notecards lay on a blue background. Markers are scattered around them.

What's Your W.I.N.?

An activity that combines recognition and a way to check in on staff.

15 min

A woman sits at a desk with headphones on. She writes on a piece of paper on a clipboard.

Treats & Tidbits: Using Podcasts to Encourage Growth

A low-prep professional development idea teachers will love.

Ongoing

Sheets of paper, scissors, marker, and a tin with notecards in it lay on a green background.

Top Secret Staff Tasks

An easy and low prep activity that provides your team with fun interactive ideas.

Ongoing

A bulletin board is covered in pieces of paper with gold stars on them. A hand reaches in from the right to place another sticker.

Four Square Responses

A simple way to ask your staff how they’re doing.

10–20 min

A laptop, set of gray over-the-ear headphones and two sheets of paper lay on a wood table.

Staff Podcast Picks

A collaborative activity where staff share podcast episodes focused on personal and professional growth.

10-15 min

A large calendar lays on a table. A hand reaches in to cross out a date that says "staff meeting."

The "No-Meeting" Staff Meeting

Low-lift ways to keep staff informed and connected without another meeting.

Ongoing

Staff Wellness Challenge

A point-based wellness challenge that supports staff wellbeing through daily habits.

Ongoing

Two men stand in front of a whiteboard and write on pieces of paper taped to the board. A woman sits at the table with a cup of coffee watching them.

Staff Standings Icebreaker

A quick staff meeting icebreaker where teams guess how a coworker ranks six items

10-15 min

Three women stand in a classroom. The woman in the middle holds a sheet of paper that they all look at.

Staff Scavenger Hunt Icebreaker

A team based scavenger hunt.

20-30 min

Three posters with sticky notes next to them are taped to a white pegboard. A hand reaches in to place a note.

Staff Joy Wall

A simple display where your team shares favorite books, shows, and feel-good picks.

Ongoing

A group of three women and one man sit at a table in a library playing a card game.

Staff Taboo Showdown

A school-themed word game that gets staff laughing and competing!

10 min

Someone reaches into their pocket to pull out an piece of paper with an image of a basketful of apples on it.

In Your Pocket Staff Activity

A fun team building activity for teachers with a scavenger hunt style game.

Ongoing

Four people stand in a circle with a colorful rug in the background. They each hold a small piece of paper with an image on it and the images meet in the middle of the circle.

Connect Four

An activity to have fun and build connection across grade levels or departments.

Ongoing

Hands hold up a small bag of pretzels and a small piece of paper in front of a white wall.

Snack Notes of Appreciation

Ready-to-go notes to pair with a snack for a fun, easy staff appreciation activity.

Ongoing

Three women stand in front of a yellow wall with bingo squares on it. They write on the squares.

Staff Lounge Wellbeing Bingo

A printable bingo board for the staff lounge.

Ongoing

Secret Staff Support Swap

A recurring, low-cost gift exchange gives staff an easy way to connect.

Ongoing

A man holding a clipboard stands in front of a woman seated at a desk in a classroom.

Quick Check-In, Real Connection

Ready-to-use one-on-one check-in questions for every moment of the school year.

5 min

A woman in a black dress sits at a desk and fills out paperwork. A laptop, school supplies, and a coffee cup sit on the desk.

Purposeful Presence: Visibility Strategies for School Leaders

A guide for school leaders who want to build a more consistent presence in their building.

10-15 min

A football themed poster hangs on a glass wall in front of a yellow table with snacks, paper plates, and napkins.

Tailgate Favorites

A resource to bring game-day energy to the staff lounge.

30-45 min

Two people stand in front of yellow lockers and their hands exchange notecards.

Staff Idea Swap Cards

A quick peer PD activity where staff fill out cards sharing a strategy, tool, or idea that has been working in their classroom.

10-15 min

A man sits at a desk with school supplies on it. He writes with a pencil on a piece of paper. Background is a wood wall with reels of paper.

Reflect & Refine

A set of ready-to-use reflection forms that help school leaders gather honest staff feedback throughout the year.

10-15 min

A piece of paper that says "pass the phone" scissors, and rolls of tape lay on a green background.

Pass the Phone: Staff Connection Game

Give staff a reason to notice and name the good things about each other.

5-10 min

Sheets of paper, clipboard, markers lay on a light green background.

Never Have I Ever Educator Life

A staff meeting icebreaker school leaders can use in minutes.

5-10 min

A white peg board sits in front of a white wall with shelves on it. Small notes are attached to the peg board. Two men reach in from either side to place more notes.

Morning Boost

A daily practice for principals who want to show up for their staff before the first bell.

5-10 min

Two people sit at a table talking to each other.

Would You Rather Icebreaker

Fun, quick questions that get teachers laughing, talking, and connecting fast every time.

10-15 min

Someone holds a piece of paper with "this" and "that" on it. People in the background stand to one side of a room.

This or That Icebreaker

A get-on-your-feet icebreaker where staff vote on fun "this or that" prompts.

5-10 min

Two women and two men sit at a wooden table writing on pieces of paper and smiling at each other.

Teacher Mad Libs Icebreaker

A silly, fill-in-the-blank story starring teaching life.

10-15 min

Hands write with markers on pieces of paper laying on a wood table. A timer sits in the background.

School Scategories

A quick staff meeting icebreaker where teachers race to fill in school themed categories using one letter.

10-15 min

Sheets of paper, hearts with images on them lay on a pink background.

Perfect Pairs Staff Activity

A staff meeting icebreaker where teammates match heart halves to find their partner.

15-20 min

Four sheets of paper, rolls of tape, and paper clips lay on a light blue background.

Jumble Jargon Icebreaker

A quick staff icebreaker activity where teams guess phonetic word jumbles.

5-10 min

Three people sit at a table laughing and smiling at each other.

Give Me Five Icebreaker

A fast, fun staff meeting icebreaker where teams call out five answers to a prompt.

5-10 min

A hand places a small piece of paper with a green shamrock on it in a glass jar of pencils.

Hide and Peek

A playful team-building game for teachers, with monthly themed picture cards.

Ongoing

Helping Hands, Happy Hearts

A simple staff appreciation activity where teachers share small requests.

5 min

Someone hands a small hand-written note to another person.

High Five Highlights

A staff appreciation activity where staff write quick shout-outs for colleagues.

5-10 min

Free Favor

A set of printed coupons redeemable for small, personalized favors.

5-10 min

A coffee make, to-go cups, and a pumpkin bucket with candy in it lay on lays on a table. A poster hangs behind it, and a hand reaches in to grab a ghost coffee mug.

Freshly Booed Coffee

A fun, low-prep teacher appreciation idea for fall.

Ongoing

A hand writes with a pencil on a piece of paper that has a calendar of September on it.

September: National Holidays to Celebrate Your Staff

A month-by-month staff appreciation resource that turns national holidays into ready-made celebration moments.

Varies

A woman sits at a desk with a laptop and vase of flows on it in front of a brick wall. She writes on notecards.

First-Week Frenzy

A guide with practical tips for principals for the first week back.

10-15 min

School Supply Bingo

A team building activity where you share daily riddles, and staff fill in bingo cards.

5 min per day

Two hands play rock, paper, scissors. In the background is a white peg board with bead necklaces hanging on it.

Bead Battle: Rock, Paper, Scissors Staff Challenge

A low-prep way to add some energy to the school day.

Ongoing

A sheet of paper and blue pen lay on an orange tray on a green background.

Staff Self-Care Bingo

A staff wellbeing bingo board to help teachers and staff build simple self-care habits.

Ongoing

A hand places a note on a desk. Behind it is a gift bag and sparkling birthday hat.

Staff Appreciation Activities for Birthday Celebrations

Simple staff appreciation activities for celebrating birthdays all year.

20-30 min

An arm with a white wristwatch reaches in from the left side and a hands points to the watch in front of a white brick background.

Ideas to Give Your Staff More Time

Practical ideas to give teachers extra planning time.

10-60 min

Positive Postcards

Send handwritten postcards to staff as a quick, personal appreciation activity.

5 min

Two women write on a whiteboard underneath a piece of paper taped to it.

Creative Whiteboard Prompts to Spark Connection and Community

A simple way to spark conversation, build connections, and add a little fun to the staff lounge.

Ongoing

A coffee maker, coffee supplies, and colorful mugs sit on a counter. A hand reaches in to grab a mug.

Mug Exchange

A simple team building activity for teachers where staff swap mugs.

15-20 min

A basket full of orange colored snack bags sits on a desk along with orange office supplies. On the wall is a sign and orange sticky notes with handwritten messages.

Orange You Glad It's Friday?

A low-effort, high-joy way to close out the week.

Ongoing

A woman sits as a table completing a bingo card.

Professional Growth Bingo

An activity to encourage your staff to try new professional growth ideas.

Ongoing

Three hands reach in to clink glasses that have an Italian ice drink in them.

Attendance Adventures: Italian Ice in September

A fun staff appreciation activity that rewards classes with perfect attendance.

5 min

A woman holds a piece of paper. Two men stand on each side of her pointing at the paper.

Riddle Challenge Icebreaker

A printable icebreaker that gets teachers thinking, laughing, and working together in minutes.

10-15 min

Several sheets of paper and makers lay on a blue background.

60+ This or That Questions for Staff Connection

Team building activity for teachers turns a weekly this or that question into an easy way for staff to vote, compare answers, and start conversations.

Ongoing

A Drop in the Bucket

A personal spot for staff to collect encouragement and positivity notes.

Ongoing

A hand reaches across a messy desk to pace a notecard near a pencil holder.

5-Minute Personal Growth Ideas for School Leaders

Five quick, low-prep ideas principals can use to support professional growth.

5 minutes

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Back from Break

65 resources

Quick Win

142 resources

Support

123 resources

Staff Communication

74 resources

High School

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Recognition

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Recognition and Appreciation

95 resources