Ideas to Give Your Staff More Time
Practical ideas to give teachers extra planning time.
10-60 min
Reward & Recognize: Prize Coupons
Printable recognition your staff will want to cash in.
Alissa Christensen
Reward coupons are a simple, tangible way to show staff you see their hard work. Print them, hand them out, and let your team choose a perk that feels like a real break. With over 15 options, there is something that fits every schedule and every staff member.
Why try it
Recognition lands differently when it comes with something to look forward to. These coupons give staff a concrete reward they can redeem on their own terms, which makes the appreciation feel personal rather than performative. Small perks like extra coverage, a relaxed morning, or a surprise treat break up the routine and remind your team that their effort does not go unnoticed.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Print and prep your coupons
Choose the coupons that fit your school's schedule and staffing. Print them out and cut them apart ahead of time so they are ready to go when a recognition moment comes up.
2
Keep a stash on hand
Store a small supply in your desk or bag. The best recognition moments are often spontaneous, so having coupons ready means you can act on them right away.
3
Hand them out with intention
Pair a coupon with a specific shoutout. Mention what the staff member did and why it stood out.
4
Use them in games and activities too
Coupons make great prizes for staff meeting games, trivia, bingo, or PD day activities. They work just as well as a fun win as they do a one-on-one recognition moment.
5
Honor them without hesitation
When a staff member turns in a coupon, follow through quickly.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Sunshine committee edition
Share a set of coupons with your sunshine committee or staff morale team so recognition can come from peers, not just admin.
New teacher focus
Give new staff members a small envelope of coupons at onboarding so they know appreciation is part of the culture from day one.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Match the perk to the person
Some staff will love a free dress day; others will light up at coverage to prep their room. Pay attention to what your people value.
Leader Tip #2
Use them year-round
Coupons work any time, not just during appreciation week. Keep handing them out through testing season, the mid-year slump, and right before breaks.
Leader Tip #3
Spread the recognition
Track informally so the same few staff are not always getting coupons. A little awareness goes a long way toward making everyone feel seen.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
Shoutouts
A teacher recognition program that runs itself.
Give teachers an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and collect them in your dashboard automatically. Easily print and share these encouraging words with your team.
Loading...
Similar resources
