A question for high school teachers...

[IUTBAM]

There are two teachers and a guidance counselor at my daughter's school who have gone above and beyond for the last year and half (my DD started this high school as a junior, and is now almost halfway through her senior year), both in terms of teaching/counseling, and writing letters of recommendation for college applications and scholarships. We are planning on giving each of them a $25 Visa gift card, and my DD will write a note to each, but would it be beneficial for me to send a letter to the principal as well giving accolades to the two teachers and the counselor as well? They certainly deserve it! And, if so, could all three be done in one letter? TIA!

 

[HM]

I'm not a teacher, but I think that anytime someone sends a letter of praise for someone, it's a good thing. I would think that one letter would do, and they could make copies to put in each teacher's file, if that's something that they do. Or, if you want to save the school some paper, you could send three letters that give personal praise and thanks. Anyway, go for it!

 

[DisneyMim]

My husband is a long time HS teacher and I can tell you that the best gifts have been notes/letters from his students and parents. He has kept them all. Yes it would be great for you to send a letter to the principal. It's also nice of you to give a gift. As a parent I always gave my kids' teachers cards and gifts when they went beyond. Gifts are not necessary at all though, words are enough.

 

[MrsPete]

As a high school teacher, I can say that gifts are nice and very thoughtful, but they make me slightly uncomfortable. Why should I receive gifts for doing my job?

I do put a great deal of effort into the college recommendations that I write for students, and I appreciate tremendously the students who take time to write me a little thank you note (a few even bring flowers, which is a perfect little not-too-much gift) after I write a good letter for them.

One thing I remember from years ago: One set of parents held a breakfast in the school library on graduation day and invited all the teachers, counselors, etc. who'd taught his son. The son was an excellent student and went to Penn State on a full scholarship. The dad made a little speech about how he and his wife appreciated what the lot of us had done for the boy over his four years of high school.

 

[DawnM]

Agreeing with the above. I always feel uncomfortable with a gift, although I did get them. Many I kept on my desk (picture frames, mugs, etc...). I taught high school and then became a school counselor.

But a letter to the principal or even a note telling me they appreciate me is treasured. I haven't actually worked in 5 years, but I still have a file of notes from my students! The gifts are long gone and I can't tell you who gave me what, but I can show you the notes I received!

Dawn