Teachers all over the Knoxville School District are getting gifts, cards, special thanks and even the occasional hug…as parents and students thank them for their efforts.

This is Teacher Appreciation Week, and all week long teachers are being thanked for the work they put in all year long.

Jennifer Lambirth teaches at West Elementary, and is also president of the teacher’s union; she tells KNIA/KRLS News she and her fellow instructors are happy to receive all this recognition, but they don’t do it for any personal reward.

“We as teachers appreciate working with your kids…we love being here, that’s why we do the job that we do. And yes, it’s nice to be recognized, but we would do that job no matter what,” Lambirth says.

The Knoxville Elementary Parent Teacher Organization is helping with the thank-yous; every day this week, they’ve provided free treats for the teachers ranging from pancakes to popcorn to coffee.

The PTO has also produced a tribute video now airing online; and teachers have had people dropping in to class this week, delivering flowers or other gifts to show how much their work has meant to the children in their classrooms.