Pop Quiz: A bus filled with Funatics travels along the freeway to a comic-con at 50 miles per hour, two hours ahead of another bus, which is traveling 70 miles per hour in the same direction. How long will it take for the second bus to catch up to the first one?

a) Five hours. My math teacher was the best. 

b) Math was not my best subject, but I had a teacher in another subject I enjoyed.

Answer: 

Either one is correct. Congratulations! You passed the quiz—and having a favorite teacher is a reason to celebrate. Teachers provide lessons that last a lifetime. At Funko, we’re honoring National Teacher Appreciation Day with a special thank you, ideas for celebrating, and gift options. So, open your books. Class is in session!

If we had a whiteboard spanning several walls, it would never be big enough to write everything our teachers and mentors have done for us. The teachers who fostered our imaginations or recognized our strengths helped make us who we are today—and for that, we’re grateful. Here are a few teachers we want to recognize:

"I want to give a shout-out to Mrs. Schroeder, my 5th-grade teacher. She always took a genuine interest and care in her students as individuals and helped us all grow our creativity! Doodling was encouraged! Having that kind of positivity and encouragement at a young age in art helped me get to where I am today!"—Elise Walters, Designer

"My kindergarten teacher Mr. L., who instilled a curiosity in all his students and gave me an appreciation for learning that has carried through my entire life.”—Sabrina Chapman, Associate Photographer, Marketing.

“Thank you to Mr. Coulter for cultivating my passion for literature and teaching our class all about typewriters, Ultimate Frisbee, and friendship. And thank you to Mr. Cromer for many years of happy memories and robotics shenanigans—you always put our team FIRST!”—Delaney Norman, Associate Product Copywriter

“I'd like to give a shout-out to my high school band director, Mrs. Moffat! Thank you for always believing in me, no matter what I did. I think I learned to actually pursue what I'm passionate in for a career because of her.”—Alexa Dimaano, Associate 3D Visualization Artist 

"Thank you, Mrs. M.! She was the theater director at my high school at the time, and she provided a safe and fun place where we could truly be creative."—Cecilia Kennedy, Copywriter

“I had a teacher in high school who had a really big impact on my life: Mr. Drott. He taught marine biology, and he helped instill a lifelong passion for ocean life in me that I still hold to this day. In his class, I had the opportunity to experience many really cool things, from traveling to California to see an elephant seal colony in person, to aiding baby sharks in hatching from their eggs. He even helped connect me with our local aquarium, where I ended up volunteering as an educator for a year! Mr. Drott inspired me to be curious, love nature, and to continuously want to learn more about my interests and passions.”—Jordan Checketts, Marketing Specialist

“I want to thank my 6th-grade English teacher, Mr. Marvin. He was incredibly kind and fun, and he went out of his way to help me adjust to the differences in the curriculum after I'd moved to Washington from out of state. Thinking back on it now, I think his class helped solidify my adoration of literature and writing.”—Meridia Clark, Marketing Copywriter

“Shout-out to my former high school librarian, Ms. Payne! She made the library a fun and safe place to hang out during lunch and after school, and she encouraged me to develop leadership and creativity skills that I still use to this day. As a mentor, she helped me to find a community of fellow bookworms and always made time to check in or offer advice. I love that we still keep in touch after all these years!”—Amber Ackerson, Associate Copywriter

Make the grade with the following ways to recognize a teacher:

Take Out a Sheet of Paper: Write a Letter of Thanks

Thoughtful letters that explain why or how a teacher made a difference in your life are cherished keepsakes. They stay tucked away in special drawers, folders, files, or scrapbooks and are especially appreciated on tough days when things don’t always go as planned. 

One of One and the Homework’s Done! Create a Unique Pop! Yourself Vinyl Figure of Your Teacher

Accompany your letter of thanks with a Pop! Yourself vinyl figure of your teacher, especially if you’re searching for a unique, customizable gift. Our online Pop! builder can help you choose hairstyles, skin tones, outfits, buddies (such as pets), and accessories. You can even provide a name that will appear on the box. When the Pop! is ready, it’ll ship to the address you type in. 

Volunteer to Stay Before or After Class

If you’re the guardian or parent of a child with a favorite teacher, and if you have the time, consider volunteering at the school. Some opportunities might include tutoring or helping with homework, lunchroom duty, recess supervision, classroom party planning, or field trip excursions. 

Treat a Teacher to Classroom Supplies

To create effective lesson plans and learning for all students at various levels, teachers need supplies! A few may be available through individual schools or local districts, but teachers often have to fill in with their own materials. Consider asking for a list and picking up a few extra things for the classroom on your next shopping trip. Or, you might pull together the resources of a volunteer group to divide and conquer that list.

Gift a Funko Game!

Teachers of foreign languages, language arts, math, and other subjects use games in their classrooms. Games spark imagination, creativity, and learning. They help introduce and reinforce new concepts—and they liven up the teacher’s lounge. Check out our game selection here.

Find Funko Pop! Teachers in Your Favorite Teacher’s Fandom

Who are your favorite teacher’s favorite television and movie teachers? You might find them as a Pop! in our online and retail stores. Here are a few to spark some ideas, but you may find others in fandoms, such as anime, music, Sci-Fi, and more.

Here’s your homework: Follow @originalfunko on our social media channels and post pictures of favorite Pop! teachers or Pop! Yourself teachers—and thank them! If you’re a Funko fan who also happens to be a teacher or a coach, show us where you display your Pops! Extra points for creativity. Class dismissed!