Is it appropriate to give $100 gift cards to teachers/counselor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Id like to see a teacher look a kid straight in the eye and say- you cause a lot of classroom trouble, and stress all year long and the only reason you passed is because my boss makes me pass everyone. No reference. Get out of my classroom.

That teacher would be fired so fast.

I've told kids that I don't think I can write a strong letter in support of them and suggest they find a different teacher. I let them read between the lines.

[Anonymous]

Yes it’s fine and will be appreciated

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here again.

This is AFTER the recs were submitted, not before. So our gift cards are not influencing the results.

Of course, DC is writing a proper handwritten letter to each teacher thanking them. That goes without saying.

Is your child still on this teacher's roster for the year? If so, please wait until final grades are submitted. Regardless of intentions, it's a poor look and puts the teacher in an awkward place. When the child ends up at an 89.8 and is asking for the A-, that $100 comes to mind really fast, and that's not fair.

The kid shouldn’t have to ask.. I’d bump even for free

[Anonymous]

I had parents and students that got pissed at a B because they gave a a dollar store mug. They made a fuss to admin and made my life harder.

[Anonymous]

Yes! Totally appropriate!

[Anonymous]

I know teachers who donate any gc over $25.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know teachers who donate any gc over $25.

I do this. I’m uncomfortable accepting large gifts.

[Anonymous]

The only gift teachers want is not to be harassed by parents and admin to fraud the data and to ignore the violence. That would be worth more than a thousand gift cards. Some peace and support

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The only gift teachers want is not to be harassed by parents and admin to fraud the data and to ignore the violence. That would be worth more than a thousand gift cards. Some peace and support

I am sure giving an A- instead of a B+ would make your life as well as the parents and students life easier.
As a parent who doesn’t harass teachers I am just so sad when kid gets B+’s. He is the type of kid to never ask, and sometimes the stars just don’t align.
Don’t teachers know the game the parents and students are forced to play?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would say 500$ for every letter grade boost. If you want to turn a F into an A it might cost 2000$

I have actually done this but never got caught. I invest that cash and it’s great returns. Being a teacher is underpaid so I gotta do what I gotta do. Moral righteous folks you can spare me your lessons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Id like to see a teacher look a kid straight in the eye and say- you cause a lot of classroom trouble, and stress all year long and the only reason you passed is because my boss makes me pass everyone. No reference. Get out of my classroom.

That teacher would be fired so fast.

It’s actually better to write a negative letter. It wouldn’t be the first time I do it and it certainly won’t be the last. Then, the crocodile tears come pouring in cause Johnny/Larla wasn’t admitted to their “dream *insert whatever delusional thing they thought they would get*”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. It’s not bribe! The teachers spent hours filling out forms and writing recommendations.

It just feels that $25 is a measly amount for work it took.

But they are professionals. You don’t give them money/gift cards at all. You write a sincere note of gratitude.

[Anonymous]

I would just say respect your teachers so you dont feel so guilty where you feel you need to buy presents to get back to the good graces.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We wanted to thank them for filling out endless recommendation letters and forms for DC’s summer programs.

DC got into some selective programs and we are thankful. But is $100 too much?

That would be a generous and well-received gift at the public school where I teach. I’ve received gifts like that occasionally and appreciated them, but less is also normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. It’s not bribe! The teachers spent hours filling out forms and writing recommendations.

It just feels that $25 is a measly amount for work it took.

If anyone accepts $100, they are committing ethics violation. Don’t F them up.