Behind Your Back
A peer recognition activity where staff write positive "gossip" about a colleague.
Ongoing
Pay it Forward
A peer-to-peer recognition activity where staff pass along rewards.
Erin Bunton
A peer-to-peer recognition activity where staff pass along laminated "bills," a written compliment, and a small reward to a colleague. Once received, the recipient passes it on, keeping appreciation moving across the whole team.
Why try it
Pay It Forward spreads recognition organically, giving every staff member a chance to both receive a compliment and pay one forward. Over time, it creates a habit of noticing and naming what colleagues do well.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Laminated "bills"
Sticky notes, index cards, or small slips of paper for compliments
Optional: a small cash reward or prize coupons for bill recipients
Instructions
1
Prepare the bills
Print and laminate the included bills. Adjust the number based on your staff size, these serve as the baton that keeps moving. Write "Pay It Forward" or a school-specific phrase on each one.
2
Kick it off
Select a few staff members to start the chain. Write each one a short compliment, attach it to a laminated bill, and deliver it personally or leave it on their desk.
3
Announce at a staff meeting
At your next staff meeting, invite the first recipients to reveal themselves. Let the full staff know how the activity works: whoever receives a bill writes a compliment for a new colleague, attaches it, and passes it on.
4
Add a reward
Let staff know that any laminated bill can be turned in for a small prize or a prize coupon, or whatever fits your school. This gives recipients a reason to turn it in and keeps the chain visible.
5
Keep it going
Encourage staff to keep the chain moving throughout the year. Check in occasionally to see how far it has traveled and celebrate the momentum.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Gratitude grams or mascot mail
Skip the money theme and laminate cards with your school mascot or a custom name like "Gratitude Grams" or "High Five." Same activity, different skin.
Anonymous drop
Instead of delivering the bill in person, recipients leave the compliment and bill anonymously on a colleague's desk or in their mailbox. Works well for staff who feel self-conscious about the reveal.
Seasonal reset
Restart a fresh round of bills each semester or after a long break to re-energize the activity and bring in staff who haven't been recognized yet.
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
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