Has teacher appreciation week gotten out of hand?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The average teacher spends $700 of his/her own money on the classroom.

Teachers need to reach out to the parent community more.
I can't imagine our teachers have spent that much. At BTS Night they had a long list of items for the year. All were purchased by the parents.
We asked in January if they needed anything else. They said they were set on supplies and only asked for Clorox wipes which we brought them that same afternoon.

I understand this can be tough in a title one school but as a parent I urge teachers to reach out more. Worst case you put out a wish list and get nothing. Best case you get some or all of it.
Room parents are happy to facilitate these things for you.

Our school is not title 1, but definitely has a high FARMS rate. The parents who can afford to are happy to help out. And with things like office supplies many items will be low cost, so as many as want to help out, can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The average teacher spends $700 of his/her own money on the classroom.

Our PTA gives $300 to each grade teacher for school supplies but I agree, they spend a ridiculous amount of money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HS teacher here. Teacher appreciation week is unacknowledged by our school and students. This attitude doesn't bother me at all. I would much rather people seriously discuss pay raises and perception of teachers (e.g., I feel that teachers should be viewed in the same company as doctors, lawyers, engineers rather than nurses, firefighters, police officers. Changing that uniquely American perspective would attract more people to the profession. But I digress...)

My kids are in elementary school. Every year, I get a flyer talking about teacher appreciation week, and I promptly recycle it. I don't mind if others want to throw a little party for the elementary school staff or give them something each and every day during the week, as long as these others don't pressure me to get involved or call me "lazy-ass."

Teachers are not equal to doctors, lawyers and engineers and are paid more than other professions, such as police officers and social workers. I don't get why teachers want to be put on a pedestal for doing their job. Teachers get plenty of perks and our local school systems pay very well compared to others. It is a public gov't job.

[Anonymous]

YES!

I am prepared to bet that some of the gestures the PTA has thought of, are of no interest whatsoever to the teachers. I'm on the PTA board, and stay far away from the Teacher Appreciation Committee, it gets so out of hand.
I think our teachers appreciate free, high quality meals (not just cheap carbs) and heartfelt gratitude most of all.
The miracle gift would, of course, be charming and non-demanding parents... but that's a non-starter

[Anonymous]

Agreed. I am in another "pink-collar" job, and I've never once gotten lunch, flowers, etc. simply for doing my job...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS teacher here. Teacher appreciation week is unacknowledged by our school and students. This attitude doesn't bother me at all. I would much rather people seriously discuss pay raises and perception of teachers (e.g., I feel that teachers should be viewed in the same company as doctors, lawyers, engineers rather than nurses, firefighters, police officers. Changing that uniquely American perspective would attract more people to the profession. But I digress...)

My kids are in elementary school. Every year, I get a flyer talking about teacher appreciation week, and I promptly recycle it. I don't mind if others want to throw a little party for the elementary school staff or give them something each and every day during the week, as long as these others don't pressure me to get involved or call me "lazy-ass."

Teachers are not equal to doctors, lawyers and engineers and are paid more than other professions, such as police officers and social workers. I don't get why teachers want to be put on a pedestal for doing their job. Teachers get plenty of perks and our local school systems pay very well compared to others. It is a public gov't job.

Agree, they get paid about the same as I do as a nurse and I work weekends, holidays, all summers, have had my arm broken by a drug addict, puked on, urinated on, disimpacted elderly, changed colostomy bags, been yelled out by patients, doctors, family members, worked 30+ hours in a row in snowstorms, and usually never get a lunch break on a normal 13hr shift. But I didn't pick my job for the money. I have held hands with people as they die alone and scared. I have helped many people in many years, just as teachers help kids and that is why I am a nurse. I would never be able to like or live with myself if I was a lawyer. I may have more money but I sure wouldn't be happy. I don't demand a doctor pay scale because I didn't go thru the years of schooling they did, nor do I want that pressure for myself.

Teachers work hard no doubt but they get paid well here and have A LOT of vacation days a year. They get to spend every summer and holiday with their kids. I think there may only be 10 weeks a year, they are working 5 full days. It is very hard to appreciate the ones that feel entitled to more like the above poster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know teachers are underappreciated and they do very important work for little compensation, but I don't remember there ever being even a teacher appreciation day in the past, and now it's a whole week and we're supposed to bring something every day?! Are we really expected to participate in every day of the whole week? Everything these days seems so over the top, whether it's Christmas, birthday parties, and now this.

At our school there is something simple every day but not everyone contributes everyday. There is a sign-up-genius with about 40 slots to fill for a school of 550 students. Sadly, most lazy-ass parents don't have time to fill in one slot and it sounds like you are one of them - and complaining to boot.

A lot of lazy-ass parents have full time jobs in addition to other duties of which you might know nothing. Stop judging others and worry about yourself.

Yes, this attitude (any parent who does not do something is lazy) is the reason the OP is complaining. These things are sold as volunteer, but then the judgement starts if people cannot contribute.

I think our school does a good job. There is only one day the kids need to do something, and it is bring flowers, and they always have extra in case some kids or parents forget or can't do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The average teacher spends $700 of his/her own money on the classroom.

Our PTA gives $300 to each grade teacher for school supplies but I agree, they spend a ridiculous amount of money.

My school doesn't have a PTA and each year I spend at least $500 on everything. Many parents don't send in any supplies at all. Who makes up the difference? My friends who also teach in Title One schools rarely get more than a third of the class bringing in supplies. No PTA gives them money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS teacher here. Teacher appreciation week is unacknowledged by our school and students. This attitude doesn't bother me at all. I would much rather people seriously discuss pay raises and perception of teachers (e.g., I feel that teachers should be viewed in the same company as doctors, lawyers, engineers rather than nurses, firefighters, police officers. Changing that uniquely American perspective would attract more people to the profession. But I digress...)

My kids are in elementary school. Every year, I get a flyer talking about teacher appreciation week, and I promptly recycle it. I don't mind if others want to throw a little party for the elementary school staff or give them something each and every day during the week, as long as these others don't pressure me to get involved or call me "lazy-ass."

Teachers are not equal to doctors, lawyers and engineers and are paid more than other professions, such as police officers and social workers. I don't get why teachers want to be put on a pedestal for doing their job. Teachers get plenty of perks and our local school systems pay very well compared to others. It is a public gov't job.

In other countries, teachers are equated with doctors and engineers and other "impressive" jobs. Therefore, the teaching profession attracts a lot of prime candidates. The school systems get to pick the best. They do not tolerate bad teachers. In the U.S., there is a stigma attached to teaching. "Oh, you work as a teacher! That's so noble of you. Is it nice having the summers off?" It is kind of like the military. We "honor" them all over the place, but we do not want our sons and daughters to go into the armed services. We judge people by their careers... when asked to compare a firefighter and an engineer, which one would you assume was the more intelligent one? It is not right, but that is the way it is.

Your average high-flying academically successful high school graduate is much more likely to choose a different career path than teaching. For one, it is not easy to support a family on a teacher's salary. Plus, they would probably rather be admired as a doctor than looked down upon as a teacher.

Sadly, that is just the way it is in our country.

[Anonymous]

It must be April.
This type of post appears every April and then continues through May decrying the over-the-top things parents are asked to do for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Don’t feel the need to “keep up with the Jones.”
If you don’t want to participate, don’t.
Believe it or not, teachers will not judge you.
It is really your choice.

Signed, a former teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HS teacher here. Teacher appreciation week is unacknowledged by our school and students. This attitude doesn't bother me at all. I would much rather people seriously discuss pay raises and perception of teachers (e.g., I feel that teachers should be viewed in the same company as doctors, lawyers, engineers rather than nurses, firefighters, police officers. Changing that uniquely American perspective would attract more people to the profession. But I digress...)

My kids are in elementary school. Every year, I get a flyer talking about teacher appreciation week, and I promptly recycle it. I don't mind if others want to throw a little party for the elementary school staff or give them something each and every day during the week, as long as these others don't pressure me to get involved or call me "lazy-ass."

Then what is your excuse? Teachers work hard, a lot go in early and stay late. Some may eat lunch in their classroom to help out a student, maybe one of your kids! What's wrong with supporting them for one week during the year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS teacher here. Teacher appreciation week is unacknowledged by our school and students. This attitude doesn't bother me at all. I would much rather people seriously discuss pay raises and perception of teachers (e.g., I feel that teachers should be viewed in the same company as doctors, lawyers, engineers rather than nurses, firefighters, police officers. Changing that uniquely American perspective would attract more people to the profession. But I digress...)

My kids are in elementary school. Every year, I get a flyer talking about teacher appreciation week, and I promptly recycle it. I don't mind if others want to throw a little party for the elementary school staff or give them something each and every day during the week, as long as these others don't pressure me to get involved or call me "lazy-ass."

Then what is your excuse? Teachers work hard, a lot go in early and stay late. Some may eat lunch in their classroom to help out a student, maybe one of your kids! What's wrong with supporting them for one week during the year?

It is our job to do those things. That is what we are getting paid for. Do you bring flowers and a gift card to your dentist every year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS teacher here. Teacher appreciation week is unacknowledged by our school and students. This attitude doesn't bother me at all. I would much rather people seriously discuss pay raises and perception of teachers (e.g., I feel that teachers should be viewed in the same company as doctors, lawyers, engineers rather than nurses, firefighters, police officers. Changing that uniquely American perspective would attract more people to the profession. But I digress...)

My kids are in elementary school. Every year, I get a flyer talking about teacher appreciation week, and I promptly recycle it. I don't mind if others want to throw a little party for the elementary school staff or give them something each and every day during the week, as long as these others don't pressure me to get involved or call me "lazy-ass."

Then what is your excuse? Teachers work hard, a lot go in early and stay late. Some may eat lunch in their classroom to help out a student, maybe one of your kids! What's wrong with supporting them for one week during the year?

It is our job to do those things. That is what we are getting paid for. Do you bring flowers and a gift card to your dentist every year?

My kids see our dentist twice a year. They get a Christmas card.

My kids spend 180 days with their teacher. They get a little bit more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS teacher here. Teacher appreciation week is unacknowledged by our school and students. This attitude doesn't bother me at all. I would much rather people seriously discuss pay raises and perception of teachers (e.g., I feel that teachers should be viewed in the same company as doctors, lawyers, engineers rather than nurses, firefighters, police officers. Changing that uniquely American perspective would attract more people to the profession. But I digress...)

My kids are in elementary school. Every year, I get a flyer talking about teacher appreciation week, and I promptly recycle it. I don't mind if others want to throw a little party for the elementary school staff or give them something each and every day during the week, as long as these others don't pressure me to get involved or call me "lazy-ass."

Teachers are not equal to doctors, lawyers and engineers and are paid more than other professions, such as police officers and social workers. I don't get why teachers want to be put on a pedestal for doing their job. Teachers get plenty of perks and our local school systems pay very well compared to others. It is a public gov't job.

In other countries, teachers are equated with doctors and engineers and other "impressive" jobs. Therefore, the teaching profession attracts a lot of prime candidates. The school systems get to pick the best. They do not tolerate bad teachers. In the U.S., there is a stigma attached to teaching. "Oh, you work as a teacher! That's so noble of you. Is it nice having the summers off?" It is kind of like the military. We "honor" them all over the place, but we do not want our sons and daughters to go into the armed services. We judge people by their careers... when asked to compare a firefighter and an engineer, which one would you assume was the more intelligent one? It is not right, but that is the way it is.

Your average high-flying academically successful high school graduate is much more likely to choose a different career path than teaching. For one, it is not easy to support a family on a teacher's salary. Plus, they would probably rather be admired as a doctor than looked down upon as a teacher.

Sadly, that is just the way it is in our country.

+1 I agree with this perspective. The teaching profession does not necessarily attract the best of the best. It is embarrassingly sad when you consider the number of potential teachers who struggle with the math portion of the Praxis test (a test required for teaching certification). How can we expect teachers to correctly teach our children mathematics when they do not understand it well themselves?

[Anonymous]

Try solving some sample math PARCC questions PP and then get back to us.