I am planning ahead but does anyone have any diffrent ideas for teacher appreciation?

[TruBlu]

One favorite was a family dinner brought to school for us to take home. They had a school dad who caters prepare spaghetti/meatballs and bread pudding. Family size servings were put into those nice disposable containers and our large shopping bag was filled with a loaf of french bread, and a box of pasta to cook. The best part was that we could heat and serve that night or wait a day or two. The teachers LOVED that gift and my family wasdelighted because I never cook. I was thrilled to surprise them. Very nice gift.

That is a very good idea! Last year our PTSA president (who hangs out on the DIS ) turned the gym into a "restaurant" and served the staff a meal. They really seemed to enjoy having a relaxing meal together while volunteers covered the classes. But, a meal to take home sounds wonderful, too.

 

[buzz5985]

I want to comment here...but I don't want to get the moderators mad...."no points, no points, no points..."

Let's just say, "I'm glad I don't live in Wakefield, MA".

Why not?? LOL The average salary for a teacher is $61,000/year. That's the average. That average includes Aides. So the "Teacher's" salary is a lot higher.

How many show appreciation to the Police Officers that are cruising their neighborhoods keeping them safe?? How many have slipped the EMT's a few extra dollars for saving a loved one's life?? The Fire Fighter that is willing to die to save your home?? The Army/Marines/Navy/Air Force/Coast Guard personell risking their lives every day?? Not to mention that all these make a lot less money a year than the teachers.

Sorry if I think that people that go to work willing to lay their life on the line for mine should be appreciated more than someone who doesn't even need to report to work during a snow storm?? Alrighty then - I'm rude.

 

[torinsmom]

You need to recheck your data on that. The average also includes principals who make $80-$100,000. I have taught for 9 years and make less than $40,000. I got an $8,000 raise this year-that is how bad our pay HAS been. Our state is finally realizing that they need to pay a decent salary to keep good teachers.

I think about the amount of time my DS spends with his teachers(almost as much of his awake time as he spends with me) and I feel blessed that they do such a great job with him. If your child(ren) have teachers who go the extra mile to make them feel special, it isn't a big deal to give a $10 gc once a year to show you appreciate them! If you don't appreciate them, don't give anything.

I am always appreciative of home-baked goods. That being said, I don't usually eat them, because of just not knowing if someone washed their hands, etc. Maybe that is weird of me, but I even worry at restaurants. I have had food poisoning a few times. I share with other teachers that don't have that problem-I don't throw it away.

Best gift for me was a restaurant GC last year from the whole class. It was $75 to Outback!

One thing I saw suggested was to write a letter to your child's teacher about the difference they have made in your child's life and cc the principal. It will make the teacher feel so appreciated!

Marsha

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Let's not turn this thread into a debate. The OP asked for suggestions on TA gifts, not whtether she should be giving anything. Please stick to the original topic.