Songs for Teachers: Clean Thank-You Picks by Moment and Class
SongGiftly gives you a free playlist of 44 clean songs for teachers: a song for teacher appreciation, the last day of school or a retirement party, sorted by moment and filtered by vibe and who it is from: little kids, older students or parents and staff. Every track has the artist and year. Open it as a Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube search, heart your picks and share the list with the class.
- Free, no sign-up
- Clean songs only
- Class sing-along picks
- Share with the class
Showing 44 of 44 songs
Thank you
23 songsFor Teacher Appreciation Week, Teachers’ Day or a card from the class.
To Sir with Love
Lulu1967
The title song of the 1967 film about a teacher who wins over a tough class. Still the classic thank-you to a teacher.
For Good
Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel2003
From Wicked: a goodbye to the person who changed you. It fits a teacher who changed you.
- Film & Stage
Lean on Me
Bill Withers1972
Simple words and a chorus every age can sing. A favorite for a whole class to perform.
- R&B & Soul
You Raise Me Up
Josh Groban2003
A soaring thank-you to someone who made you stronger than you were.
Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler1988
The big ballad for the person who stayed in the background while you flew.
- Pop
- Film & Stage
Because You Loved Me
Celine Dion1996
A thank-you ballad for someone who believed in you first. Written for the film Up Close & Personal.
Thank You for the Music
ABBA1977
ABBA’s thank-you to music itself. Made for a music or choir teacher.
Thank You for Being a Friend
Andrew Gold1978
A cheerful thank-you, later The Golden Girls theme. For a teacher who became a friend.
Teach Your Children
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young1970
A short, hopeful folk song about passing on what you know. From parents to the teacher who did it every day.
A Million Dreams
Ziv Zaifman, Hugh Jackman & Michelle Williams2017
From The Greatest Showman: a song about dreaming big. Kids love singing it.
- Film & Stage
Count on Me
Bruno Mars2010
An easy, happy ukulele song about being there for each other. Simple enough for a young class.
What a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong1967
Slow, warm and easy to learn. A gentle pick for a little class or a retirement slideshow.
- Jazz & Standards
Wonderful World
Sam Cooke1960
A 1960 classic about a boy who is bad at every school subject but sure about love. A smile for any teacher.
- R&B & Soul
ABC
The Jackson 51970
Spelling and counting turned into a Motown dance hit. Perfect for a kindergarten class.
- R&B & Soul
- Pop
Three Is a Magic Number
Bob Dorough1973
From Schoolhouse Rock!, the 70s TV shorts that taught math and grammar through song.
- Kids & Family
You Are My Sunshine
Jimmie Davis1940
The song most little ones already know. Sweet when a preschool class sings it to their teacher.
- Country
- Kids & Family
The Rainbow Connection
Kermit the Frog1979
Kermit’s banjo song about dreamers, for the teacher who told you to dream.
- Film & Stage
- Kids & Family
You've Got a Friend in Me
Randy Newman1995
The Toy Story theme. Young kids know every word, and it says what they mean.
- Film & Stage
- Kids & Family
Hero
Mariah Carey1993
A ballad about the strength you find in yourself, often with someone’s help along the way.
Happy
Pharrell Williams2013
From Despicable Me 2. Clap-along fun for a class video.
- Pop
- R&B & Soul
Roar
Katy Perry2013
A stomping pop song about finding your voice. For the teacher who helped you find yours.
Firework
Katy Perry2010
A big pop anthem about the spark in every kid. Great for an assembly.
Stand by Me
Ben E. King1961
Easy to sing as a group, and a thank-you to someone who was there.
- R&B & Soul
Last day of school
18 songsSongs for the final week, the class slideshow and the goodbye.
To Sir with Love
Lulu1967
The title song of the 1967 film about a teacher who wins over a tough class. Still the classic thank-you to a teacher.
For Good
Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel2003
From Wicked: a goodbye to the person who changed you. It fits a teacher who changed you.
- Film & Stage
Lean on Me
Bill Withers1972
Simple words and a chorus every age can sing. A favorite for a whole class to perform.
- R&B & Soul
Count on Me
Bruno Mars2010
An easy, happy ukulele song about being there for each other. Simple enough for a young class.
ABC
The Jackson 51970
Spelling and counting turned into a Motown dance hit. Perfect for a kindergarten class.
- R&B & Soul
- Pop
The Rainbow Connection
Kermit the Frog1979
Kermit’s banjo song about dreamers, for the teacher who told you to dream.
- Film & Stage
- Kids & Family
You've Got a Friend in Me
Randy Newman1995
The Toy Story theme. Young kids know every word, and it says what they mean.
- Film & Stage
- Kids & Family
Happy
Pharrell Williams2013
From Despicable Me 2. Clap-along fun for a class video.
- Pop
- R&B & Soul
Seasons of Love
Original Broadway Cast of Rent1996
From Rent: a song about how to measure a year. Made for the last week of school.
- Film & Stage
We're All in This Together
The High School Musical Cast2006
The High School Musical finale, for a class that wants to dance on the last day.
- Film & Stage
- Pop
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Green Day1997
The acoustic song so many year-end slideshows end with.
Graduation (Friends Forever)
Vitamin C1999
The goodbye-to-school song, built on Pachelbel’s Canon.
Memories
Maroon 52019
A toast to the people you remember, written after the band lost a friend. Built on Pachelbel’s Canon.
Best Day of My Life
American Authors2013
Stomps and hand claps for the last-day party.
- Pop
- Rock
Can't Stop the Feeling!
Justin Timberlake2016
From the Trolls movie. Gets a young class up and dancing.
Here Comes the Sun
The Beatles1969
Sunny and simple, for the start of summer or the start of a teacher’s new chapter.
- Rock
- Pop
School Day (Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell)
Chuck Berry1957
A 1957 rocker about a long school day and the bell that finally ends it.
School's Out
Alice Cooper1972
The loud summer-break anthem. For a laugh, from a class that knows its teacher has a sense of humor.
Graduation
16 songsFor the ceremony, the yearbook video and the teacher who got them there.
You Raise Me Up
Josh Groban2003
A soaring thank-you to someone who made you stronger than you were.
Because You Loved Me
Celine Dion1996
A thank-you ballad for someone who believed in you first. Written for the film Up Close & Personal.
A Million Dreams
Ziv Zaifman, Hugh Jackman & Michelle Williams2017
From The Greatest Showman: a song about dreaming big. Kids love singing it.
- Film & Stage
Hero
Mariah Carey1993
A ballad about the strength you find in yourself, often with someone’s help along the way.
Roar
Katy Perry2013
A stomping pop song about finding your voice. For the teacher who helped you find yours.
Firework
Katy Perry2010
A big pop anthem about the spark in every kid. Great for an assembly.
We're All in This Together
The High School Musical Cast2006
The High School Musical finale, for a class that wants to dance on the last day.
- Film & Stage
- Pop
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Green Day1997
The acoustic song so many year-end slideshows end with.
Graduation (Friends Forever)
Vitamin C1999
The goodbye-to-school song, built on Pachelbel’s Canon.
Best Day of My Life
American Authors2013
Stomps and hand claps for the last-day party.
- Pop
- Rock
Unwritten
Natasha Bedingfield2004
A bright pop push to go write your own story.
The Climb
Miley Cyrus2009
About the journey mattering more than the finish line. A thank-you to the teacher on the climb with you.
- Pop
- Country
I Hope You Dance
Lee Ann Womack2000
Hopes for the future in one gentle chorus, from a teacher to the class or the other way round.
- Country
Hall of Fame
The Script feat. will.i.am2012
A pump-up anthem about doing something great. For the walk to the stage.
This Is Me
Keala Settle2017
From The Greatest Showman: a proud anthem about being yourself.
- Film & Stage
My Wish
Rascal Flatts2006
A wish list for someone heading into the world. Works from a teacher to the class.
- Country
Retirement
19 songsA send-off for a teacher’s last bell.
To Sir with Love
Lulu1967
The title song of the 1967 film about a teacher who wins over a tough class. Still the classic thank-you to a teacher.
For Good
Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel2003
From Wicked: a goodbye to the person who changed you. It fits a teacher who changed you.
- Film & Stage
You Raise Me Up
Josh Groban2003
A soaring thank-you to someone who made you stronger than you were.
Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler1988
The big ballad for the person who stayed in the background while you flew.
- Pop
- Film & Stage
Thank You for the Music
ABBA1977
ABBA’s thank-you to music itself. Made for a music or choir teacher.
Thank You for Being a Friend
Andrew Gold1978
A cheerful thank-you, later The Golden Girls theme. For a teacher who became a friend.
Teach Your Children
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young1970
A short, hopeful folk song about passing on what you know. From parents to the teacher who did it every day.
What a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong1967
Slow, warm and easy to learn. A gentle pick for a little class or a retirement slideshow.
- Jazz & Standards
Stand by Me
Ben E. King1961
Easy to sing as a group, and a thank-you to someone who was there.
- R&B & Soul
Seasons of Love
Original Broadway Cast of Rent1996
From Rent: a song about how to measure a year. Made for the last week of school.
- Film & Stage
Memories
Maroon 52019
A toast to the people you remember, written after the band lost a friend. Built on Pachelbel’s Canon.
Here Comes the Sun
The Beatles1969
Sunny and simple, for the start of summer or the start of a teacher’s new chapter.
- Rock
- Pop
School's Out
Alice Cooper1972
The loud summer-break anthem. For a laugh, from a class that knows its teacher has a sense of humor.
I Hope You Dance
Lee Ann Womack2000
Hopes for the future in one gentle chorus, from a teacher to the class or the other way round.
- Country
My Way
Frank Sinatra1969
The classic look back on a career done your own way. For the farewell speech.
- Jazz & Standards
Happy Trails
Roy Rogers & Dale Evans1952
The cowboy goodbye song. A warm, slightly corny way to wave a teacher off.
- Country
Celebration
Kool & the Gang1980
The party starter for the staff room send-off.
- R&B & Soul
Closing Time
Semisonic1998
A rock sing-along about one thing ending so the next can start.
On the Road Again
Willie Nelson1980
For the retiring teacher with a camper and a map.
- Country
Find a Song for Your Teacher the Whole Class Can Sing
A thank-you from a kindergarten class sounds nothing like one from a senior class or the staff room. Pick a moment tab (Thank you, Last day of school, Graduation or Retirement), then filter by vibe and by who is giving it. Every song on the list is clean, the Class sing-along filter marks the easy ones to learn, and each row has the artist, the year and a line on why it fits.
- Four moment tabs, from Teacher Appreciation to the last bell
- Filters for vibe, class age, genre and decade
- Clean songs only: none has an explicit label on Apple Music
- Build a class list, reorder it, then copy it or share a link
Why Pick Songs for Teachers Here
Made for students, parents and room reps, not for an algorithm.
Clean, every one
Safe to play in a classroom or an assembly. None of the songs has an explicit label on Apple Music.
Easy to sing
The Class sing-along filter keeps the songs with simple choruses a group can learn in a week.
Right for the age
Filter by Little kids, Older students or Parents & staff, so a preschool class does not end up with a power ballad.
Sorted by moment
Thank you, last day of school, graduation and retirement each have a tab, with a count on every one.
Listen where you like
Links open a search on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube. No embedded player, no account, nothing to install.
A song from the class
When no famous song says it right, the card in the playlist starts a custom song for your teacher, written about them.
How to Choose a Song for a Teacher
Three steps from a full playlist to the song the class gives.
- 1
Pick the moment
Thank you for Teacher Appreciation or Teachers' Day, the last day of school, graduation or a teacher's retirement. Each tab shows how many songs it holds.
- 2
Match the class
Tap who it is from and a vibe: Heartfelt, Upbeat, Funny or Class sing-along. Play a few with the listen links before you vote.
- 3
Share and rehearse
Send the list to the room parents or the class group, then pick one song for your teacher to sing, play in the slideshow or link in the card. Add a line from each student.
What the Song for Teacher Playlist Can Do
A few features that make picking and sharing easy.
Filter by moment, vibe and class
Options in one row widen the list, rows together narrow it, and the counts update as you tap. Little kids plus Class sing-along, for example, leaves 14 songs.
Try the filtersListen links on every song
Each track opens as a search on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube, so the class can hear it before anyone has to learn it.
Listen to a songOne list for the whole class
Collect up to 100 picks, name the list and drag the songs into order. Share a link that opens the same list for every parent, copy it as a numbered list or download a text file.
Start a class listA song that is only about your teacher
In the playlist, a card starts a song written about your teacher: their name, the class jokes and the lesson nobody forgot, ready in minutes.
See the playlistExample: Last Day of School Songs for Your Teacher
Eight songs for teachers from the Last day of school tab with Class sing-along on, which leaves 10.
1. "Lean on Me", Bill Withers (1972). 2. "Count on Me", Bruno Mars (2010). 3. "ABC", The Jackson 5 (1970). 4. "You've Got a Friend in Me", Randy Newman (1995). 5. "Happy", Pharrell Williams (2013). 6. "We're All in This Together", The High School Musical Cast (2006). 7. "Seasons of Love", Original Broadway Cast of Rent (1996). 8. "Here Comes the Sun", The Beatles (1969). It starts with two thank-you songs, gets the room moving in the middle, takes a moment to look back at the year and ends on summer.
Ways to Give a Teacher Appreciation Song
The song matters, and so does the way it arrives.
Sung by the class
Pick one teacher appreciation song with an easy chorus, practice it for a week and sing it on the day. Film it for the teacher to keep.
Under a slideshow
Photos from the year with one song underneath. Check the music rules of the app you post on, since some mute copyrighted tracks.
In the card
Copy the list into the class card, or add the share link so the teacher can play every song later.
On the right day
Teacher Appreciation Week and Teachers' Day fall on different dates around the world, so check yours. UNESCO's World Teachers' Day is 5 October.
Which Song for Your Teacher Fits the Class?
A sing-along, a heartfelt classic or a song written about your teacher: each has its place.
| Which Song for Your Teacher Fits the Class? | A class sing-along | A heartfelt classic | A custom song |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Young classes | Older students and parents | The class gift |
| Easy to learn | Sometimes | Just press play | |
| Teacher's name in it | Sung in the song | ||
| Class jokes and stories | |||
| Cost | Free to stream | Free to stream | From $19.99 |
Songs About Teachers and School, by Moment
A taste of each tab and filter. Every song for a teacher here is a real release, with the artist and year checked.
Thank you
"To Sir with Love" by Lulu (1967), "For Good" from Wicked (2003), "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban (2003) and "Thank You for the Music" by ABBA (1977).
Last day of school
"Seasons of Love" from Rent (1996), "We're All in This Together" from High School Musical (2006), "School Day (Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell)" by Chuck Berry (1957) and "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day (1997).
Graduation
"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield (2004), "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus (2009) and "Hall of Fame" by The Script feat. will.i.am (2012). For the ceremony itself, see our graduation songs.
Retirement
"My Way" by Frank Sinatra (1969), "Happy Trails" by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (1952) and "Closing Time" by Semisonic (1998). For a whole send-off party, see our retirement songs.
Little kids
"ABC" by The Jackson 5 (1970), "You Are My Sunshine" by Jimmie Davis (1940), "Three Is a Magic Number" from Schoolhouse Rock! (1973) and "The Rainbow Connection" by Kermit the Frog (1979).
Parents and staff
"Teach Your Children" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1970), "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler (1988), "Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold (1978) and "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King (1961).
Give Your Teacher a Song From the Whole Class
Every song on this list was written for someone else. A custom song for your teacher is written about them: their name, the class jokes and the lesson everyone remembers, ready in minutes from $19.99. Gather a line from each student, then start from the card in the playlist, or draft the words first with the free lyrics generator.
Pick from the playlist firstSong for Teacher FAQ
What to sing, when to give it and how the playlist works.
What is a good song for teacher appreciation?
What is a thank you song for a teacher from little kids?
What song can older students sing for a teacher?
When is Teacher Appreciation Week?
What song should we play on the last day of school?
What is a good song for a teacher who is retiring?
What songs about teachers are there?
Are all the songs for teachers clean?
Can our class make a song for our teacher?
Can I listen to the songs here?
Can I share the list with other parents?
How are the songs picked, and is it free?
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