With the end of the school year approaching...

[hanutedmansionmomma]

Not to nitpick but most teachers have tenure so writing a letter to the principal won't in my mind make much difference in if they keep their job or not. Why do you think there are a few bad apples in each bunch of teachers and they still have their jobs. Heck there was just a thing on the cable news channel about teachers accused of pretty serious crimes still getting paid. Teachers are union and extremly hard to actually fire. Layoffs sometimes but even here they send out all the notices then rescend as a scare tactic to get people to vote for more tax money for schools even though per pupil spending for public school kids far surpasses what it costs to send a kid to private school And I know far more people out of work and running out of unemployment and my DH took a 50 percent pay cut so 5 to 10 percent seems like a dream to me. And here in CA they make darn good money for not working a full day and all the time off they get. My MIL taught for 30 years so I do have alot of respect for teachers but here in CA they sure do get by believe me. My MILs teachers pension is quite healthy let me tell you, she sure didn't retire to the poorhouse thats for sure.

I agree a personal note to the teacher is nice. I plan to do one for my 6th graders teacher this year, I will also do a gift card.

*just to clarify*...tenure means that you cannot be let go without cause. non-tenured teachers can be let go at any time - no reason given, no process. Tenured teachers are fired, there is just a longer process do to it (write up, plan of improvement, time to change, etc...) Unions protect the process, not bad teachers


As a teacher I do not ever expect gifts! I think it's a really nice gesture if someone does it and I appreciate it very much. I love the notes, little trinkets for my desk, and the gift cards that help offset the $ I spend throughout the year for rewards, supplies, and fun things we do in my room, oh yeah, and the kleexnex and clorox wipes.

 

[mrsklamc]

Nice to hear this point of view from the other side. I agree a note to an outstanding teacher. But a gift. NOT. Imagine if you were to give a gift to everyone who just did their job.

I don't have kids, but when I do, I hope none of their teachers ever thinks it's 'just a job.'

I do get your sentiment though. Postal employees are very well paid and I never understood holiday gifts for them. We don't hear from our mail carrier all year and then get a Christmas card. I may be a cynic but it just feels like a solicitation.

 

[RetroMom]

No union or tenure in Georgia! The county I work in informed the teachers that they are looking at up to a 6.25% salary decrease this coming school year. It was included in their contracts.

I've had children in the school system for 16 years and will for 10 more years (26 consecutive years is a long time, isn't it? ). I have also worked in the school system for 7 years. I have no idea how many times I've been a room parent and I've served on more PTA boards and committees than I care to count. Teachers do appreciate the thank you cards, photo books, and I'm sure the great letters to their bosses! If you feel like you would like to do a little more, I can tell you that every year, I see the elementary school teachers spending a lot of money at places like School Box, and the middle school teachers (where I work) buy lots of stuff at Office Depot. I believe they receive special offers at these stores and we all love the penny sales! Gift cards to these places are always appreciated. At first I felt that I should give them something for themselves, but when I saw how much money they spend each year out of their own pockets, I decided helping them out this way was better. I've given those type of gift cards to my sons' high school teachers too. My oldest son's art teacher, who taught him for several years including AP, loved the gift certificate we gave her to a nice art supply store in town. There have also been a few teachers that I knew ran/walked/worked for special causes such as breast cancer and I have made donations in their names. Just some suggestions!

 

[jenn-n-okla]

I would like to suggest to all of you with school age children that you re-think the end of the year teacher gift. I realize that with some schools this is already built in and there is one big group gift, and in other schools there is no gifting allowed.

If you do want to gift though, consider having your child make a card for the teacher telling her "what I liked best," or "You are a special teacher because...."

From you to the teacher write a letter of thanks, note specific qualities you appreciated, and then send a copy to the principal.

I have talked to many, many teachers and they do not want or need gifts. What they really appreciate is that special written letter of thanks.

As a teacher (16yrs) I too appreciate gifts but would much rather have a "thank you" or "we appreciate you" hand written card. Those are the things I keep. I look back on them and re-read them in times of depression/stress. I send positive notes home either mailed or e-mailed to parents through out the year. And when you get something like that yourself it DOES make you feel great. I have gotten one this year from my principal, and the superintendent. I have them both taped to my classroom door. The kids read them when they come in to class. They see the mail they get at home and then see the ones I have gotten. To me it is a way to show them that there is more than just teaching them math or science that I do. You know like setting up a good example of just being a good person and showing that sometimes those little things in life make it all worth while.

 

[torinsmom]

Not to nitpick but most teachers have tenure so writing a letter to the principal won't in my mind make much difference in if they keep their job or not. Why do you think there are a few bad apples in each bunch of teachers and they still have their jobs. Heck there was just a thing on the cable news channel about teachers accused of pretty serious crimes still getting paid. Teachers are union and extremly hard to actually fire. Layoffs sometimes but even here they send out all the notices then rescend as a scare tactic to get people to vote for more tax money for schools even though per pupil spending for public school kids far surpasses what it costs to send a kid to private school And I know far more people out of work and running out of unemployment and my DH took a 50 percent pay cut so 5 to 10 percent seems like a dream to me. And here in CA they make darn good money for not working a full day and all the time off they get. My MIL taught for 30 years so I do have alot of respect for teachers but here in CA they sure do get by believe me. My MILs teachers pension is quite healthy let me tell you, she sure didn't retire to the poorhouse thats for sure.

I agree a personal note to the teacher is nice. I plan to do one for my 6th graders teacher this year, I will also do a gift card.

Actually many teachers do NOT have tenure, and even if they do, they can be fired or have their positions reduced. In addition, not all states have teacher unions. We do not in NC, and just in our small district, we are facing $22 million in cuts at this time. This means a 3% staff cut at each school, on top of about the same last year. Last year, all state employees (including teachers) had a 1% pay cut in the form of a furlough. We were told in May and the full 1% came out in our next pay check. We were able to take 3 days off, but there were such restrictions that many teachers never took those days(could not take them when class was in session, had to be taken within a few months, etc) With all these cuts come bigger class sizes, cuts in staff, and lots more responsibility.

Oh and since when is teaching not a full day's work? My hours are from 8:15-3:45 with no lunch break. Most people work 9-5 with a 1 hour lunch break, which equals 7 hours if my addition and subtraction are correct, so I actually work longer than them, even when I do not stay after school. Many teachers either stay an hour or so after to get grading and planning done, or take things home. I prefer not to take work home, so I stay until 4:30 each day, before leaving for my second job of babysitting until 6:15. I don't do this for the heck of it; I do it because I can't pay my bills on the petty salary I make as a teacher. Still, I can't imagine doing anything else--I love the kids and most of my parents are really great. It is not about any gift they give; it is about respect and working as a team.

I am also sick and tired of people thinking teachers get all this time off. This year, school ends on June 10. I have to continue to work through June 16. Students return to school on August 25. I have to be back on August 16 to set up my room and go to meetings. During July, I have a week long workshop about a new curriculum. I am also taking classes to earn CEU's to keep my teaching certificate current and Masters Degree classes to increase my income during the summer. So if you need somewhere to sit on the couch and eat bon-bons, it sure won't be my house, or the house of any teacher I know.

 

[aceys_h0ney]

Thanks for the suggestion. We do participate in room gifts every year however this year is the first year I really feel attached to a teacher. It is her first year with a full time class. She was an aide until now. She really loves my daughter and has helped her through her reading difficulties. Not to say others did not but I really see the extra effort and feel the love with her. It would not have occured to me to let the administration know how highly we think of her and appreciate her. I always let the teachers know we are thankful for them now I feel silly that it did not occur to me to pass on that appreciation.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

Instead of gifts at the end of the year or at christmas, I donate supplies all year long. Every few months I automatically send in things like kleenex, pencils etc. and then when special requests are made I do my best to fill in those too. I try to send in thank you notes too.

I figure it's much more appreciated and helpful knowing how much they spend out of pocket each year.

I stock way up during the back to school sales so in the long run it costs me the same but it's such a help to the teachers. Especially here in GA with the major cuts to the budget.

 

[mafibisha]

Oh and since when is teaching not a full day's work? My hours are from 8:15-3:45 with no lunch break. Most people work 9-5 with a 1 hour lunch break, which equals 7 hours if my addition and subtraction are correct, so I actually work longer than them, even when I do not stay after school. Many teachers either stay an hour or so after to get grading and planning done, or take things home. I prefer not to take work home, so I stay until 4:30 each day, before leaving for my second job of babysitting until 6:15. I don't do this for the heck of it; I do it because I can't pay my bills on the petty salary I make as a teacher. Still, I can't imagine doing anything else--I love the kids and most of my parents are really great. It is not about any gift they give; it is about respect and working as a team.

I am also sick and tired of people thinking teachers get all this time off. This year, school ends on June 10. I have to continue to work through June 16. Students return to school on August 25. I have to be back on August 16 to set up my room and go to meetings. During July, I have a week long workshop about a new curriculum. I am also taking classes to earn CEU's to keep my teaching certificate current and Masters Degree classes to increase my income during the summer. So if you need somewhere to sit on the couch and eat bon-bons, it sure won't be my house, or the house of any teacher I know.

YES! ITA because you are soooo totally right!!

I'm from a long line of teachers, plus many of my best friends are teachers and this is ALL TRUE.

And also, if you teach in the Junior High or High School there's always something added to all that - the after school (until 530-600) or night activities, and all teachers must do their *Fair Share*, ie chaperone. (That is, if they're not already the coach or adviser, done with a supplemental yes, but like $2 an hour)

My hats off to every single teacher, thank you!!! We can't thank you enough!!

 

[pearlieq]

Most people work 9-5 with a 1 hour lunch break

No, they really don't.

I won't make the "teachers have it easy" argument if you don't make the "corporate world is cushy" argument. Every job has its pros and cons. Very, very few people these days have it easy.

 

[torinsmom]

No, they really don't.

I won't make the "teachers have it easy" argument if you don't make the "corporate world is cushy" argument. Every job has its pros and cons. Very, very few people these days have it easy.

The people I know who work in office jobs DO work either 8-5 or 8:30-5 with an hour lunch break. I also never said the corporate world is cushy. As a matter of fact, you could double my salary and I would not move to a corporate job. It's just not my thing. I like the feeling I get when a child "gets" a concept or when they run up to me telling me how much they missed me when I am out sick for a day .

There are plenty of people on these boards that like to make it clear that teaching is an easy job, with great perks. We work just as long hours as other jobs and we do NOT get paid for our summers. I get a check in the summer, because I agree to have my 10 month salary spread out over 12 months. It really irritates me that some also want to compare giving a teacher a gift is like tipping your drycleaner or the cashier at Walmart. I don't know about you, but the cashier at Walmart and the drycleaner do not spend more awake time with my child than I do, and don't teach them all they need to know to move on to the next educational level.

 

[MomToOne]

Most people work 9-5 with a 1 hour lunch break, which equals 7 hours if my addition and subtraction are correct

I've never worked in any office environment where 9-5 were valid hours. Usually it's 8-5 (if you want an hour lunch), 9-5:30 (if you want a half hour), etc. You are always expected to put in AT LEAST 8 hours of work a day, and usually many employers expect - and get from many employees - at least 9 or 10 hours of work per day, plus weekend work. I've had weeks in particular crisis situations where I've actually put in over 100 hours....And while you may not be *told* you have to work those extra hours, come evaluation/salary review time, I can guarantee you only working 40 hours a week will cause a lower evaluation and raise (if you even get any).

So while you may be working over 40 hours a week, so are many/most other salaried workers. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate the work teachers do - but doing more than 40 hours a week now for no additional pay is the standard, unfortunately, for much of the salaried workforce in the US.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

You had better believe I am giving gifts this year (I always do anyway) and they will be bigger than previous years.

Our teachers are taking a 5 to 10 percent pay cut and will have fewer planning days and more students in the classes next year. If there was ever a year to show your appreciation this is it.

I know that many high schools are facing the loss of clubs and other extracurriculars because teachers need to get second jobs.

I am so disappointed (but not surprised) in the poor legislative decisions made about education funding in GA, but then again it takes work to rank 49th or 50th all the time!

Chatham County here, I am right with you! Sonny Perdue is not making me a happy constituent. I used to live in SC, so we have endured this kind of rating for many years!

We had a day off about a week ago, and for the life of me couldn't figure out what holiday it was. I asked someone at school the next day and they said it was one of their 4 furlough days. I had forgotten about this. Also we are having 3 days off at the end of the term because of budget cuts. Which really doesn't matter because after CRCT testing next week, the rest of the year is pretty much a play date.

I will be writing my own letter to the principal, and going into the classroom one day to help the kids compose a letter to the principal which they will all sign and give copies to the teacher. And I have a little gift, just because.

 

[disykat]

I am a teacher ... and a mom and I also think the end of the year gift is out of hand.

As the poster said ... a note is appreciated the most. (I have all of the notes parents and children have given me ... and I cherish them. I know I don't have all the gifts.)

In light of the times, I don't feel anyone needs to give me a gift for just doing my job.

I feel the same way. I don't want gifts, but I still have a framed crayon drawing of E.T. with "Miss xxxx phone home" written on it that was done for me by a student in 1982 when I left student teaching.

When I teach I do so as a professional, I don't need a gift. Thankfully gifts aren't that common here. I often think when reading these boards though that it sort of comes off like a "tip."

 

[luvsJack]

We do a cookie, veggie or fruit tray given to the group of teachers for whatever grade dd is leaving; usually 3 teachers. We also send a tray for the front office. I take these by the school the day after school is out. The teachers are still there working and can actually enjoy the treat.

I have never done individual end of the year gifts for teachers.

 

[MKCP5]

No, they really don't.

I won't make the "teachers have it easy" argument if you don't make the "corporate world is cushy" argument. Every job has its pros and cons. Very, very few people these days have it easy.

We're not really going down this road are we? We could argue this all day. EVERYONE works hard. (or at least if they are blessed to have a job I hope they are) There is really NO NEED for comparisons and backbiting. Different jobs demand different things from you. Period.

 

[Minnie_me]

I don't feel anyone needs to give me a gift for just doing my job

I am a teacher, but I'm speaking as a parent here.

I give my DDs' teachers gifts because they love my kids and make a difference in the lives of my kids every single day. That's not somebody just doing their job. It's someone making their mark on the lives of your child, and I think it deserves a little something special when it's over in June.

 

[Pixieflip]

I give my DDs' teachers gifts because they love my kids and make a difference in the lives of my kids every single day. That's not somebody just doing their job. It's someone making their mark on the lives of your child, and I think it deserves a little something special when it's over in June.

Yep, that's why I love to do end of year gifts! I appreciate all the time they invest in my children. Thank you to all the teachers here!!

As many of the previous posters have mentioned, I usually coordinate a photo session and "thank you/you're the best teacher/what I loved about this year" note and pulled them into a scrapbook, too. May 1st is the perfect time to start thinking about this project. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[torinsmom]

Any teacher who just does their job needs to find a new job, IMHO. Every day I am not just a teacher. There is a lot more to teaching than teaching. Here is something appropriate I found online. Some of these things do not apply to me as I teach the little guys. But there are plenty of things to substitute, like dealing with bathroom accidents, constant whining(mostly from the parents, LOL), kids showing their privates and eating their boogers, LOL

TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION!

After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching
prospect said"Let me see if I've got this right. You want me to go into
that room with all those kids, and fill their every waking moment with a love
for learning. And I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and even censor their t-shirt messages and dress habits.

You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and raise their self
esteem. You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, and fair play, how to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job.

I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize
signs of antisocial behavior, offer advice, write letters of recommendation
for student employment and scholarships, encourage respect for the
cultural diversity of others, and oh, make sure that I give the girls in my class
fifty percent of my attention.

My contract requires me to work on my own time after school, evenings
and weekends grading papers. Also, I must spend my summer vacation at my own expense working toward advance certification and a Masters degree. And on my own time you want me to attend committee and faculty meetings, PTA meetings, and participate in staff development training.

I am to be a paragon of virtue, larger than life, such that my very presence
will awe my students into being obedient and respectful of authority.
And I am to pledge allegiance to family values and this current
administration. You want me to incorporate technology into the learning experience, monitor web sites, and relate personally with each student. That includes deciding who might be potentially dangerous and/or liable to commit a crime in school.

I am to make sure all students pass the mandatory state exams, even
those who don't come to school regularly or complete any of their assignments. Plus, I am to make sure that all of the students with handicaps get an equal education regardless of the extent of their mental or physical handicap. And I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter and report card.

All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books,
a bulletin board, a big smile AND on a starting salary that qualifies my
family for food stamps! You want me to do all of this and yet you expect me NOT TO PRAY?"

 

[palavra]

My child goes to a private school. There is no such thing as tenure - the school is free not to resign any teacher for the next year for any reason, as long as it does not voilate the standard discrimination laws. Letters to the Principal do matter in our case.

Lots of school systems in the South do not have tenure. Teachers do get laid off and fired.

 

[Amandaj0831]

Actually many teachers do NOT have tenure, and even if they do, they can be fired or have their positions reduced. In addition, not all states have teacher unions. We do not in NC, and just in our small district, we are facing $22 million in cuts at this time. This means a 3% staff cut at each school, on top of about the same last year. Last year, all state employees (including teachers) had a 1% pay cut in the form of a furlough. We were told in May and the full 1% came out in our next pay check. We were able to take 3 days off, but there were such restrictions that many teachers never took those days(could not take them when class was in session, had to be taken within a few months, etc) With all these cuts come bigger class sizes, cuts in staff, and lots more responsibility.

Oh and since when is teaching not a full day's work? My hours are from 8:15-3:45 with no lunch break. Most people work 9-5 with a 1 hour lunch break, which equals 7 hours if my addition and subtraction are correct, so I actually work longer than them, even when I do not stay after school. Many teachers either stay an hour or so after to get grading and planning done, or take things home. I prefer not to take work home, so I stay until 4:30 each day, before leaving for my second job of babysitting until 6:15. I don't do this for the heck of it; I do it because I can't pay my bills on the petty salary I make as a teacher. Still, I can't imagine doing anything else--I love the kids and most of my parents are really great. It is not about any gift they give; it is about respect and working as a team.

I am also sick and tired of people thinking teachers get all this time off. This year, school ends on June 10. I have to continue to work through June 16. Students return to school on August 25. I have to be back on August 16 to set up my room and go to meetings. During July, I have a week long workshop about a new curriculum. I am also taking classes to earn CEU's to keep my teaching certificate current and Masters Degree classes to increase my income during the summer. So if you need somewhere to sit on the couch and eat bon-bons, it sure won't be my house, or the house of any teacher I know.

I will def. second that. My contract is year to year with NO guarantees. In fact every year at this time of the year I am on pins and needles praying they will renew it, and not go for an inexperienced (cheaper) new teacher which is a frequent way to help with the budget. There is not a union here and the hours are long I leave at 6 and get home at 6, part commute part long hours. Not EVERY school has easy hours, mine doesnt. As far as pay yes I get 2 months off in the summer and my pay reflects it. Teaching is on the low end ($$) of jobs that require a degree and certification. I also have to work a second job on weekends and summers to help with expenses. Do I expect a gift heck no. i think I have only gotten a handful. I am sure anything you give is appreciated though.