Romy Keper works in schools as a speech pathologist on Long Island, New York, giving her a front‑row seat to the dedication and emotional labor that teaching requires. Through her small business, CharTEACHerie Gift Boards, she channels that insight into meaningful, personalized gifts that help teachers feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
We loved Romy’s Instagram, filled with beautiful gift boards for teachers, and we wanted to know more. Take a look at this Q&A to learn more about her business of appreciating teachers. Plus, she has a few tips for those crafty people who want to make their own.
Q: What inspired you to create your first CharTEACHerie board?
CharTEACHerie started as a way to combine two of my greatest passions: gifting and supporting educators. My first board was truly a “from the heart” idea, and once I saw how meaningful it felt to the teacher who received it, I knew I was onto something special.
As a speech-language pathologist working in schools, I see firsthand how much energy teachers pour into their students every day without receiving an ounce of recognition. That’s why I wanted to create a more meaningful way to show appreciation for teachers than the typical mug or candle.
Q: How did you come up with the name “CharTEACHerie,” and when did it start to catch on?
The name is a playful pun on “charcuterie,” but with a teacher-themed twist. I loved the idea of a curated board stocked exclusively with items educators use every day, so CharTEACHerie just clicked.
It really started catching on when teachers began sharing their boards online and parents realized how unique and personalized they were. Word of mouth within the education community is incredibly powerful.
Q: What does your creative process look like when you’re building a board from start to finish?
It usually starts with the teacher or event in mind. I gather information about their personality, interests, teaching style, and general taste. I then begin gathering items that are both fun and useful for the recipient. I love mixing practical supplies with little surprises that speak to each individual recipient.
The final step is carefully arranging everything onto the board—presentation matters just as much as the items themselves.
Q: What are some of your favorite boards to make?
Honestly, I love the process of putting together all of them. But I’m especially fond of boards that are heavily personalized and targeted.
For example, when I did a set of boards for a team of paralegals during Administrative Professionals Week, each member of the team got a cute wooden gavel and scales-of-justice pens, both of which were really fun to shop for. Sports- or holiday-themed boards are also great because I have lots of options to choose from. I’ve also made boards for a few celebrities and content creators, which has been an unexpected thrill.
Q: What kinds of items do you typically include, and how do you choose them?
I include a mix of:
- Everyday school supplies
- Snacks and treats
- Self-care items
- Personalized touches
Add-ons such as Amazon or coffee shop gift cards are always a nice touch, and it can help tie everything together. I choose items based on usefulness, quality, and joy factor. If it makes a teacher smile or makes their day easier, it’s a good fit.
Q: What’s a memorable request you had for a board?
One memorable request was a board tailored to a teacher’s favorite book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar. All the snacks, supplies, and touches were based on the story and the metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly. Hearing about how emotional the teacher was after receiving something so personal reminded me why I do this.
Q: Any tips for someone who wants to make their own CharTEACHerie board?
Start with a theme or color palette and gather information about the person receiving the board. Think about balance: something practical, something fun, and something sweet.
Never underestimate presentation—ribbons, fillers, and a neat arrangement make a big difference.
Q: Any budget-friendly tricks?
Dollar stores, thrift stores, and buying in bulk definitely help me stay within a price range. Use filler items like crinkle paper or tissue to add height and fullness.
Group small items together to convey abundance, such as a nice pencil cup to hold smaller items like paper clips, glue sticks, pens, scissors, or highlighters.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about teacher appreciation?
Small gestures go a long way, and appreciation doesn’t have to be expensive. The recognition just needs to be sincere, rather than transactional.
To administrators: Strong leadership is felt the moment you walk into a school. It lives in the tone of the hallways, the morale of the staff, and the way students show up each day.
Instead of sending an email pointing out that a teacher made too many photocopies (for their students!), imagine sending one that says: “Thank you for coming in early to help set up for the assembly.” That kind of recognition doesn’t just brighten someone’s day—it fuels them. Teachers remember how leadership makes them feel, and that feeling echoes into every classroom.
To parents and caregivers: Please don’t let the only calls to school be complaints. When a teacher goes above and beyond, say something, in writing, to show your appreciation. Email the principal. CC the superintendent.
Teachers nurture your children every single day—academically, socially, and emotionally. A few words of gratitude can mean more than you realize.
CharTEACHerie isn’t just about gifting, it’s about recognizing the human element within the classroom. When teachers feel valued, students feel it too. Appreciation ripples outward.
Q: Anything else readers should know?
CharTEACHerie is truly a passion project rooted in kindness and community. I look forward to growing partnerships with schools, PTAs, and like-minded small businesses. My goals include more creative collaborations, more meaningful gifting, and more opportunities to spread joy.
