Too nice of a teacher gift?

[ccgirl]

Our district policy is something like $5 or $10 for a "personal" gift. Tokens only. We can give "classroom" gifts to any amount. Books, supplies, etc.

I would double check policy first. At our school we (faculty, admin, support staff... everyone) are not allowed to accept a gift with greater than $10.00 value, to do so is prohibited.

We received a note home with the "instructions" on gift giving. It stated that teachers were prohibited from accepting anything greater than $25 in value. That is the value of it, not the price paid. So, in this case the teacher would have to return it. It also explained how teachers are "supposed" to claim any gift greater than $50 in value and pay taxes on it. Instead of gifts, we were instructed to make donations to our charity of choice in honor of the teacher in lieu of gifts. But, this is a parochial school so it may be a bit different. I would check with your district before sending in a gift that great in value. Although, it is a superb gift and something i would love.

 

[lisateaches]

I just saw this Thanks and I love teaching! I just find it frustrating when we are held to similar test result standards as privileged areas. It's like comparing a dentist in an area with all basic needs (tooth paste etc.) and a dentist in an area with no running water, no tooth paste etc.

 

[pintamino]

In my line of work, we can't accept gifts of more than $20 from each person, and I believe more than $50 aggregate (I generally don't get gifts as I'm part-time). Nothing from contractors unless it's a "token" gift/of no intrinsic value (engraved plaques, donuts at a meeting). But I'm not an ethics counselor and this is just what I remember of our code.

But I think the purse is a very nice gesture, and if the district allows it I'm sure the teach will appreciate it

 

[Cindy B]

I just saw this Thanks and I love teaching! I just find it frustrating when we are held to similar test result standards as privileged areas. It's like comparing a dentist in an area with all basic needs (tooth paste etc.) and a dentist in an area with no running water, no tooth paste etc.

I teach in an urban area.. abject poverty, homeless students, no uniforms, no supplies and we are also expected to make do with so little and outperform these suburban districts with all the "extras"

I love teaching but the whole "system" frustrates me in many ways.

Today was my last day before break. I got no gifts or cards I wasn't expecting any. I however did get a thank you card from one of the students in school. Our school had a gift drive and teachers/staff selected students with the strongest needs and to give them a small gift. I know this student loves reading so I got him new books and a bookmark. He wrote a little note to me.. that was treasure enough.

Frankly, I feel funny taking "money" or accepting a gift from parents in my district. They need to pay their rent, electricity or laudromat money.. there children are gifts enough.