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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Former teacher here - please, do not feel obligated to give anything, and if you do, it is appreciated.

In my years of teaching, I have received - an apple with a bite out of it, several bottles of Avon perfume - some partially emptied, plates and tins of homemade cookies, gift cards (never for more than $10), Christmas ornaments, and a few handmade Christmas decorations.  All of these were appreciated, but, truly, my favorite gifts have been notes that my students had taken the time to write (on their own - with mistakes included), and heartfelt notes from parents.  These are the ones that brought tears to my eyes and that I still have today.  [/quote]

You're a former teacher so nobody cares about what you have to say.

Where are the REAL teachers? The ones who put in the real blood, sweat and tears? The ones who do more than teach our children? The ones who inspire them, make them believe they CAN as they struggle? The ones who cry when our children surpass expectations? Who reteach and reteach again until our children gain some understanding?

Those are the teachers who realize the true gift is in seeing our children excel but who also realize they are worth their weight in gold.

Where are the teachers who will be HONEST enough to say that yeah, notes and emails are touching but you can give those at anytime. During Christmas, the season of giving, it feels really good to know that you thought enough of me to give to ME in addition to your friends and loved ones?

I'm so tired of the "a letter is enough and I still cherish them till this day" BS. You're anonymous for goodness sakes! Admit that you were thrilled to receive that $100 or nice handbag. The old "a hand drawn picture is all my heart desires" is bullcrap. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Stop trying to play the martyr role.[/quote]

I'm a teacher and I can tell you with 100% honesty that I really do NOT want 100 or a nice handbag.  I would much prefer a letter detailing how great I am, copied to my principal.  I also like chocolate, a small ornament to remember the child by, something like that.  Expensive gifts and money make me very uncomfortable.  [/quote]

I do like the detailed letters stating how I have helped their child or what they like about my teaching style. The letters are seldom copied to the principal, but I have requested admin to place them in my local file. I don't save letters and notes. In 24 years I have never saved a note or card.

Things like ornaments, mugs, and other knick knacks get tossed, but I wait until I get home. The same happens with most food items.

The gift cards get used, unless they are for a place I don't frequent such as Starbucks. Those can be traded. Of course it's nice to be able to go out to eat, go to the movies, or use that Visa gift card to replace an old TV without having to pay for it. That I can't deny.[/quote]

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