Mascot Pass
A weekly recognition tradition that keeps appreciation moving all year long.
5 min
Toot Your Horn Tuesday
A weekly teacher recognition idea for school leaders.
Alissa Christensen
A weekly tradition where school leaders surprise one staff member with a party horn and a quick classroom visit to celebrate their work. It takes just a few minutes and turns recognition into something loud, visible, and fun.
Why try it
Give every staff member a moment in the spotlight, from classroom teachers to custodians and office staff. A short, cheerful pop-in in front of students shows the whole school what appreciation looks like and gets everyone talking about who's up next.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Pick your person
During your admin huddle, review the included tracker and choose one staff member who has gone above and beyond, handled a tough week, or simply deserves a moment in the spotlight.
2
Plan the pop-in
Add it to your Tuesday calendar and decide which admin will lead. Grab party horns and prepare a quick note about why they're being recognized.
3
Make it loud
Walk into their classroom with your team and announce that it's Toot Your Horn Tuesday. Sound the horns, share your reason, and celebrate them in front of their students.
4
Capture and share
Take a quick photo or video to share on your school's social media, with permission, using your school hashtag.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Student ambassador crew
Let student ambassadors help record the celebration, design a graphic, or lead the classroom announcement.
Student shout cards
Invite students to write a few words describing what makes the honoree awesome, and hand them over during the visit.
Toot-worthy wall
Display photos from each week's celebration on a bulletin board so the whole school can see who has been recognized.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Rotate who leads
Rotate which admin delivers the horns each week so the recognition feels shared across the leadership team.
Leader Tip #2
Cover every role
Use the tracker to celebrate every role on campus, including custodians, office staff, and cafeteria workers.
Leader Tip #3
Pair it with a note
Add a handwritten note or student-made card to the visit for a personal touch that lasts beyond the moment.
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.
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