Teachers - What would you like?

[janette]

I'd like to do something special at the end of this year for my 9yo DD's special education teacher. She's been in her class for 2 1/2 years but will change special ed teachers next year. She has a learning disability and has made really good progress with this teacher. She started in 1st grade and wasn't recognizing all her letters at that point and is now reading & writing at a 2nd grade level.

What kinds of things do you treasure the most? I'm thinking of getting her a gift certificate to a teaching store because I know she buys lots of books but wanted a few other ideas. I'm not very crafty so don't know if I could make much of anything but will write a card & have my DD do the same.

I'd like to think of something a little more personal I haven't done before. Typically I get restaurant GC or Bath & Body works baskets.

 

[bananiem]

I loved getting gift certificates for teaching stores. You could also find out from another teacher if she collects something. Then you could add to her collection.

 

[Sonya]

A picture of them 2 together, or a pic of your DD in a frame she made herself.
A framed sample of her best writing, or a letter written by your DD about how much she means to her.

 

[msteddom]

I love the gift certificate thing too! Maybe instead of a teaching store you could get her one to one of the large book stores in your area. That way she can buy things for her class, but she also has the option to slip in a novel or two for herself! What a nice thing you're doing!




Melissa

 

[cats mom]

I generally give a GC to a teaching supply or office store for Christmas - one year I bought a ton of binding coils as the teacher was big on having the kids make books and I knew she was almost out of her allotment for the year with 5 months to go! She loved that one!

For the end of the year I try to come up with something more personal - If I know of something they collect I'll sometimes do that - but I think GC's are always appreciated. If you're not sure what type to get - maybe one to a local mall. There has to be something she needs or wants if she has the whole mall to pick from!

We're going with a starbucks mug & GC for one and a Jamba juice card for another this year because they're both addicted to their prefered chain!

 

[sue1013]

I'm not a teacher but my daughter is, the things she most appreciates are gift certificates to teaching stores, book stores, restaurants, movie theater.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

I agree about the gift certificates. Although all gifts are appreciated, I will tell you that teachers get too many candles, and items that have apples or things mentioning the word "teacher". Teachers are just like anyone else; just pretend it's your friend's birthday or something. What would you get her?

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

The next time you talk to the teacher, drop some hints by asking questions like; "We want to try something new for dinner, where do you like to go?" I have always done that to make sure the GC I give is a place the teacher likes to frequent. Last year my daughter's teacher always liked to splurge and get her nails done. With the help of some casual questions I was able to find out what salon she went to and got her a GC for a fill-in everytime it was a gift-giving occasion. She was always thrilled. Teachers are no different from anyone else, they want to feel special and taking the time to find the right gift is just the ticket!!!

 

[AspiringCindy]

We gave DDs teacher a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure! I try to steer clear of the mugs and candles. Being a teacher myself, any gift is appreciated...but my cabinet is being over run with #1 teacher cups!

 

[jimmiej]

Originally posted by msteddom
I love the gift certificate thing too! Maybe instead of a teaching store you could get her one to one of the large book stores in your area. That way she can buy things for her class, but she also has the option to slip in a novel or two for herself! What a nice thing you're doing!




Melissa

IA. I love getting gift certificates to the local bookstore. My kids know I love to read & several of them bought me that for Christmas. One of the best parts of teaching sixth graders is the Christmas gifts!

 

[janette]

Thanks, I do like the idea of a regular book store instead of a teaching store. That way she can use it on herself.

I know she does origami but that's kind of hard to buy for. I like giving her a picture. I'll have to see if I have one of her & my DD somewhere. I might, she's also been teaching my DD to write in Chinese I may have her say Thank you & write her name in Chinese. My DD is very crafty so that would be a good option for something a little more personal.

 

[wendyl]

I loved restaurant gift certificates the most. I also loved gifts of gourmet coffee (I'm a coffeeholic and all my students were well aware).

Two of my most memorable gifts were student made. One student bought a pack of dry erase markers--and then created her own personal labels on the computer for each one--and glued/taped them on (each one had some "memory" or "quote" from the year on it). It was a GREAT gift--and dry erase markers in bright original colors are always needed. AND--everytime I used them, I remember that student are all those memories. Another student had a t-shirt made for me with a quote that I made up and used frequently throughout the year. It was Great:
"MATH--Learn it, Live it, Love it!"

 

[DizMare]

Write a commendation letter about her and give it to her principal - copy the superintendent and give her a copy too. That'll go in her file and be a great way to spread the word about her teaching skills. May help at review time, too.

 

[tw1nsmom]

I've thought about giving my childrens preschool teachers pots of herbs with a card that says "thank you for helping my child grow."
I know I heard the idea somewhere, but I can't remember where. Do those of you who are teachers think it's a good idea or too cheesy? I gave them baskets of supplies for Christmas.