Our teachers have a very special place in our lives. On the occasion of their retirement, they must be thanked for the immense contribution they’ve made in shaping the lives of thousands.
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
– Henry Adams
We are who we are because of the knowledge we gather in our lifetime and what we make of it. Our outlook, our perspectives and our ideologies are based on what we believe. This belief is based on the vast knowledge that has been imparted to us. And who do we owe all this to? Our teachers. It is said that knowledge is of no use if we don’t know what to make of it. Our professors not only teach us subjects but also tell us how to learn, an art not easily developed. If one of your teachers is retiring, you owe him/her a party to celebrate not only the efforts s/he has taken, but also the fact that one individual has influenced millions in his/her lifetime. You can use these ideas to plan your party perfectly.
Flashback
A flashback theme, even though a little cliché, is the best theme for a retirement party. Teaching has been a way of life for your teacher and it is going to change forever now. So many students have been a part of your teacher’s life, that the number of chapters in his/her life’s story are innumerable. This theme will touch all those moments again, bringing back sweet memories now forgotten.
Food
For this theme, you can use any food items you want. All you need to do, is give them whacky retro names.
Entertainment
With the help of your friends and other staff, collect photographs and videos that capture your teacher’s years in school/college. Make a small movie combining all these memories. You can also ask a few people to give speeches that speak of various experiences.
Gift
As a gift, you can make a photo album and divide it by decades or by every five years. In each section, remind your teacher of the various moments in his/her life that belong to those particular years.
Movies
Movies form a very important part of our lives. You can base your entire party on this theme. Select a movie that talks about a student-teacher relationship and recreate the party around it. Examples of such movies are Dead Poets’ Society, School of Rock, Remember the Titans, etc.
Food
The food can comprise items you usually get at the movies. This can include popcorn, sandwiches, burgers, coke and fries. Basically, the food will be more of snacks and less of a proper meal.
Entertainment
You already have names of a few movies. You can think of more and take a vote on which one people like the most. You can arrange for the screening of this movie at the party.
Gift
You can gift your teacher DVDs of all the movies mentioned above and maybe add a few more. If other students and staff members want to give separate gifts, you can collect all of them, and pack them in a box. This box can resemble a showreel.
Something Personal
A personalized theme is always a success, isn’t it? You can decorate the entire venue with photographs and fancy posters of your teacher. Another option, is keeping in mind the subject your teacher taught. For example, if s/he taught science, you can decorate the venue like a universe.
Food
If you have included your teacher in the planning, ask about his/her favorite cuisine and plan the food accordingly. If not, you will have to find out before the party. The food has to strictly consist of your teacher’s favorite dishes.
Entertainment
You can arrange for a band to come and play your teacher’s favorite tracks. You can also have quizzes based on the subject s/he taught.
Gift
You can gather a lot of accessories and have your teacher’s name inscribed on them. You can also have his/her photograph printed on coffee mugs, books, etc. Get a trophy made with his/her photograph and name, and present it to him/her after the party.
You can use any one of these ideas or even combine the flashback theme with the personalized one. Start planning soon to have a successful party. Have Fun!
