Behind Your Back
A peer recognition activity where staff write positive "gossip" about a colleague.
Ongoing
Free Favor
A set of printed coupons redeemable for small, personalized favors.
Erin Bunton
Recognize a few standout staff members and hand them a printed coupon redeemable for a small, personalized favor. It takes minutes to run and gives staff something concrete to look forward to.
Why try it
Consistent recognition is one of the most direct ways to support staff wellbeing. Free Favor makes it easy to highlight specific people and follow through with a tangible reward, whether that's duty coverage, an extra-long lunch, or a late start. The coupon turns a verbal shoutout into something staff can hold onto and redeem on their own terms.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Choose your staff members
Identify 2-3 staff members you want to recognize. Think about who has gone above and beyond recently, or who is overdue for a shoutout.
2
Fill out the coupons
Before your staff meeting, write each person's name and a favor you are prepared to deliver on the included coupon cards. Not sure what to offer? Check out the included list of ideas, or ask the staff member directly what would be most helpful to them.
3
Recognize and follow through
During your staff meeting, highlight each person briefly, share what you noticed, and hand them their coupon. When they redeem it, deliver the favor and check in with them afterward.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Surprise delivery
Skip the public announcement and drop a filled-out coupon on a staff member's desk with a handwritten note.
Team-wide drawing
Put all staff names in a hat and draw 2-3 at random. Pair the drawing with a quick verbal recognition.
Open redemption window
Let staff choose when to redeem their coupon over a set window, like within the next two weeks, so they can use it when it's most useful to them.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Track who you've recognized
Keep a running list of who has received a coupon so recognition stays spread across your whole team over time.
Leader Tip #2
Invite peer shoutouts
Before handing out coupons, open the floor for a few colleagues to add their own shoutouts for the person being recognized. It amplifies the moment without adding much time.
Leader Tip #3
Pick favors you can actually deliver
Stick to favors within your control. Concrete, reliable follow-through matters more than an impressive-sounding offer.
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.
Erin Bunton
Special Education Teacher
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.
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