Class gift for 1st grade teacher

[bsblady01]

Teacher here (25 years now)....you don't have quite the right picture.

Sure I get "Summers off" but I don't get paid during that time either.

I am a 10 month employee. I work 191 days and get paid for 191 days...that is it. I do not have paid vacations, paid holidays, nope. And "Presidents Break??" Nope, we get that Monday off, that is it. Christmas Break?? In my county, our first day off for Christmas Break is Christmas Eve. We do get off the time between Xmas & New Years, but that's it. And keep in mind...those are not paid days off.

You're a government worker?? You get paid vacations I'm sure.

people think our job is easy they would be wrong

 

[Bluestars]

I think $20 is a reasonable gift for a teacher. Often times, teachers spend their own money for class supplies or other things needed. Plus, they work hard. I would have no issue contributing $20 to my child's teacher. If you feel it is too much, opt out and do whatever you feel comfortable doing. Not everybody is comfortable giving a certain amount.

 

[justgrace]

Well, we do $25 here, per teacher, so $20 doesn't seem out of line. When my youngest was in 1st grade, we all chipped in "what we could" (I did $25) and we got the teacher a Coach purse and a nice dinner out for her and her husband. For Kindergarten, it was a nice dinner out and tickets to a play at the Orpheum. Etc. I can't remember 2nd grade, ha ha! I am sure I will get the email this week on what the plan is for this year.

Older son has 3 main teachers (his class has never done an organized gift) - each will get $25, and then 2 teachers who work with him before/after school. I will get each of them $20 to somewhere. Typically Target or Visa.

where do you live that teacher's get gifts like that.

Where's that thread, "Ways in which the average Dis'r is better than you?" when you need it?

 

[bsblady01]

Where's that thread, "Ways in which the average Dis'r is better than you?" when you need it?


Well actually, the class mom for my student sent out a letter asking for $400 per kid for the teacher's Christmas gift, but I thought, "What they heck? I'll do them one better and just buy her a red Lexus for Christmas!"

do these class parents think every other parent is made of money. this is a really tight time of year for a lot of family's

 

[wishesuponastar]

I don't like it when they ask for a certain amount for a gift. I feel it should be free will, whatever you can afford.

 

[kandb]

Teacher here (25 years now)....you don't have quite the right picture.

Sure I get "Summers off" but I don't get paid during that time either.

I am a 10 month employee. I work 191 days and get paid for 191 days...that is it. I do not have paid vacations, paid holidays, nope. And "Presidents Break??" Nope, we get that Monday off, that is it. Christmas Break?? In my county, our first day off for Christmas Break is Christmas Eve. We do get off the time between Xmas & New Years, but that's it. And keep in mind...those are not paid days off.

You're a government worker?? You get paid vacations I'm sure.

Yes, I know teachers work hard but they are very well compensated for it (at least where we are living). Most make very decent salaries ($70-80K a year after some years in the district). Maybe they don't get "paid" for the summer but then divide their salary by 10 months and they are making even more. School days are 8:45am to 3pm. Yes, I know they put some time in before and after school but I very much doubt they are spending their many school breaks/days off on school work. My son comes home with all his quiz's and homework marked the day he did them, so therefore the teacher had time within her day to do this. If you average in the teachers salaries with how many days they go to work, the salaries would be astronomical. I don't believe there is a lot of planning for elementary school teachers, yes some, but I am sure most is done before 8:45 or for a short time after school is out at 3pm. Most workers days don't end at 3pm.

 

[kandb]

OP here. I just looked up my son's teachers salary, it is $73K a year. Based on her age, I don't think she has been a teacher for more then 5-7 years. Looked up my son's kindergarten teacher last year, she is making $90K and his gym teacher is making $88K. Like I said, the teachers are very well compensated and have great medical benefits and pensions. I myself have great medical benefits and will get a pension as well. Our police officers in the area make well over $100K after 5 years, police chiefs in small towns make $170-190K a year. That is why our taxes are outrageous, there is only so much money to go around.

 

[kandb]

I want to state again, I had no problem contributing $10. I am sure most of the children's parents would of given $10 without a problem and the teacher would of gotten between $150-180 gift card. I think that's fair and would of been happy doing so, I just think getting the teacher an almost $400 gift card for Christmas is over the top.

 

[EveDallas]

Yes, I know teachers work hard but they are very well compensated for it (at least where we are living). Most make very decent salaries ($70-80K a year after some years in the district). Maybe they don't get "paid" for the summer but then divide their salary by 10 months and they are making even more. School days are 8:45am to 3pm. Yes, I know they put some time in before and after school but I very much doubt they are spending their many school breaks/days off on school work. My son comes home with all his quiz's and homework marked the day he did them, so therefore the teacher had time within her day to do this. If you average in the teachers salaries with how many days they go to work, the salaries would be astronomical. I don't believe there is a lot of planning for elementary school teachers, yes some, but I am sure most is done before 8:45 or for a short time after school is out at 3pm. Most workers days don't end at 3pm.

Well most teachers are not "well compensated" - at least not money wise. Most teachers I know do it because they love what they do, certainly not because they make $$$$$. The average salary where I live is $37,000, and the average US salary is $45,000.

 

[Disneylover99]

My son comes home with all his quiz's and homework marked the day he did them, so therefore the teacher had time within her day to do this.

No. The teacher made time within her day to do this. Big difference. She sounds like a conscientious teacher who wants to inform students and parents of how they are doing as soon as possible. She probably does work over lunch or break to get this done. No teacher really has time to do anything. They make time and they never get everything done that they want/need to get done during their day.

 

[Disneylover99]

I don't believe there is a lot of planning for elementary school teachers, yes some, but I am sure most is done before 8:45 or for a short time after school is out at 3pm.

Really?

How about report cards, filling out Individual Learning Plans, Individual Education Plans, consumable orders, annual learning plans, etc...some days I feel like I'm drowning in paperwork.

How about concerts, teacher/parent nights, interviews, fundraising initiatives, meetings with school psychologist, speech and language pathologists, phone calls to parents, coaching sports, running clubs, etc....

Don't misunderstand me. I love my job. I get paid well. But I feel I need to speak up when someone says elementary school teachers don't do a lot of planning.

And I don't need a Christmas gift from my students.

 

[MSLRAC]

Yes, I know teachers work hard but they are very well compensated for it (at least where we are living). Most make very decent salaries ($70-80K a year after some years in the district). Maybe they don't get "paid" for the summer but then divide their salary by 10 months and they are making even more. School days are 8:45am to 3pm. Yes, I know they put some time in before and after school but I very much doubt they are spending their many school breaks/days off on school work. My son comes home with all his quiz's and homework marked the day he did them, so therefore the teacher had time within her day to do this. If you average in the teachers salaries with how many days they go to work, the salaries would be astronomical. I don't believe there is a lot of planning for elementary school teachers, yes some, but I am sure most is done before 8:45 or for a short time after school is out at 3pm. Most workers days don't end at 3pm.

Astronomical used to describe a teacher's salary...never thought I'd see that...ever! Your child's teacher sounds like she truly cares about her students and their success. She makes time to grade papers immediately and I can assure you that she doesn't do all of her planning on the fly before school. You really should be thankful your child has such a good teacher but instead you're here trying to justify why she's not worthy of a $20 contribution from you toward the class Christmas gift. I will never understand some parents!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Give 10 dollars if that is what you want to give.

 

[EveDallas]

Astronomical used to describe a teacher's salary...never thought I'd see that...ever! Your child's teacher sounds like she truly cares about her students and their success. She makes time to grade papers immediately and I can assure you that she doesn't do all of her planning on the fly before school. You really should be thankful your child has such a good teacher but instead you're here trying to justify why she's not worthy of a $20 contribution from you toward the class Christmas gift. I will never understand some parents!

Boggles the mind, doesn't it?

 

[kamik86]

Honestly I dont' even understand why kids are giving their teachers a gift. That would be like giving your boss a gift at work to me.

I know when I was in school we definitely never did this. A few kids brought in something but it was generally a trinket. Not some $300+ gift.

HOnestly $20 is more then I spend for some family members for christmas so yeah wouldn't be happening.

 

[aprilgail]

Well most teachers are not "well compensated" - at least not money wise. Most teachers I know do it because they love what they do, certainly not because they make $$$$$. The average salary where I live is $37,000, and the average US salary is $45,000.

37,000? That is crazy- my friends daughter was just hired in our district ( NOT a high paying district) and started at 52,000. My daughters 4th grade teacher is making 120,000 and most of her other ones are almost at or over 100,000.

 

[EveDallas]

37,000? That is crazy- my friends daughter was just hired in our district ( NOT a high paying district) and started at 52,000. My daughters 4th grade teacher is making 120,000 and most of her other ones are almost at or over 100,000.

Do a little goggling if you don't believe me. Took me five seconds to goggle "average US teacher salary". Your area is well, WELL above the national average.

 

[AppleDumpling]

IMO, a teacher's salary and work schedule are irrelevant. OP, if $20 is more than you want to give or can afford, then give $10 or just opt out and give your own gift. Do what feels right to you and don't worry about what other people think.

In elementary school, we always gave a Barnes & Noble gift card for $20. This way the teacher can buy a book for herself or for the class, her choice. Sometimes we were asked to contribute for a class gift, but I don't recall a dollar amount specified. The class gift was usually a gift certificate to a local restaurant. We also always gave a $10 tip with a card for Christmas to the bus driver, who is often underappreciated.

 

[Jake&IzzyLand]

I don't know if this is any help, but for people who want to simplify during these times, 20 bucks for the teacher gift can seem like a lot, participation is not a requirement. So if someone is not able or if it goes against someone's holiday philosophy, one should have the freedom to decline without judgment.

Also keep in mind that this is an elementary school thing for the most part. Middle school and high school kids don't go passing out gifts to their teachers. But if you have multiple kids in elementary, it can add up fast!

Electing to do your own thing is fine. Just don't bake, I hear that no one wants to eat anything not bought from a store or bakery. I know thank you cards are appreciated. A five dollar gift card to pick up a coffee/bagel on the way to school is nice too.

In addition, I always remember the bus driver.

It's really a personal choice in what you do. All options are acceptable.

 

[Jake&IzzyLand]

IMO, a teacher's salary and work schedule are irrelevant. OP, if $20 is more than you want to give or can afford, then give $10 or just opt out and give your own gift. Do what feels right to you and don't worry about what other people think.

In elementary school, we always gave a Barnes & Noble gift card for $20. This way the teacher can buy a book for herself or for the class, her choice. Sometimes we were asked to contribute for a class gift, but I don't recall a dollar amount specified. The class gift was usually a gift certificate to a local restaurant. We also always gave a $10 tip with a card for Christmas to the bus driver, who is often underappreciated.

Agreed about the bus driver!