Reader’s Digest’s Top 5 Teacher Appreciation Videos That Will Melt Your Heart

RD.com, Getty images (2)

Teacher appreciation videos you can’t help but love

May is full of fun and important holidays and observances, including a national celebration dedicated to showing admiration for the unsung heroes that shape young minds. In light of Teacher Appreciation Week, a heartfelt celebration during the first full week of May, kicking off on Monday, May 6, (along with National Teacher Day on Tuesday, May 7), Reader’s Digest is sharing our favorite teacher appreciation videos—a collection of heartwarming moments that recognize the incredible contributions teachers make in the lives of our future leaders.

If you enjoy our roundup of the Nicest Places in America, along with our feel-good videos of the month then you’ll love our staff-selected assembly of loving and joyful teacher-student moments. As you watch, we hope you take the chance to thank a teacher for their kindness, patience and passion for educating their students—no matter what age group they instruct.

So, get your tissues ready and brace yourselves for some of the most touching (and tear-worthy) teacher appreciation videos ever!

Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more feel-good moments, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.

5. Students gift an iPad to their favorite art teacher  

This is one of the sweetest ways to show your teacher thanks! In a heartwarming gesture, students from a Kentucky high school joined together to show their appreciation for their favorite art teacher Terri Schatzman. As the excitement built, they gathered around and asked Schatzman to close her eyes and extend her hands. Joy overtook the room as she realized they were gifting her an iPad as a thank you for the many years of mentorship she provided them. This thoughtful gift marked a joyous farewell as Schatzman retired that year, making this graduating class her last. 

4. Students surprise their teacher with new shoes  

Who doesn’t love a new pair of shoes? When Joe Lara decided to move on from the school he was teaching at in Arizona, his students knew the perfect way to say thank you. They all chipped in and bought a pair of shoes that every sneaker head would envy: Air Jordan Retro 12’s in French Blue! With kicks like these, Lara was sure to be walking with style into his next adventure!  

3. Two teachers get engaged  

Students gossip about their teachers just as much as they gossip about each other. With the rumor swirling around that two teachers were dating, math teacher Jason Seifert of Harry Russell Elementary School in West Carrollton, Ohio decided to come clean to his fifth grade class. With the students gathered, he reminded them that teachers have a life outside the classroom and was indeed dating their science teacher Ally Barker. And he did more than share a few teacher quotes. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and asked Barker to marry him!  

2. Students give their teacher a colorful surprise   

The world is full of color, and we often forget there are some people who can’t simply enjoy it. That’s why these high school students in Charlotte, N.C., decided to surprise their colorblind teacher Trent Hopkins with a pair of corrective glasses. With their fundraiser a success, the students purchased the glasses and surprised Hopkins one day outside of the school. Anticipation built as he tried on the glasses and for the first time, saw the world in all its beauty.  

1. Son surprises his mom on her retirement day  

Nathan Holles pulled off the perfect surprise for his mom’s retirement day. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, he drove 17 hours home to Iowa to reunite with her. Holles’ mom, a dedicated teacher of 36 years, could not believe her eyes when she saw Holles walking through the parking lot, making her retirement day truly special.  

Why trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experience where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.