My son gave everyone who helped with his application (recommenders, counselor, teacher who gave essay help) a thank you note and a very small token of appreciation- homemade cookies.

It’s actually not a part of a teacher’s job. These letters are not mentioned in our contracts, nor is a single minute of our workday all year long devoted to this task, which can take over 40 work hours a year. We are allowed to say no. It is a common misconception on DCUM that this is a part of our job.

We do it anyway out of respect for our students, but be aware this is 100% done on our own time and out of support, not obligation.

OP, a letter is sufficient. I write over 50 a year and usually get 1-2 thank-you letters. I’m thrilled when students show appreciation for these letters! It doesn’t happen often.

Anonymous wrote:How can it be a bribe after the letter is done? Teachers are usually subject to gift limits so a small gift can be added to the note. Or maybe a holiday gift.

quid-pro-quo

At the end of the year, a thank you note, a coffee card ($10), and some swag from the school your kid will be attending (key chain/sticker/pen)

Agree. Not considered appropriate. At holidays, could give Starbucks gift card as you would for other teachers.

They don’t get paid for it - it’s an extra task that takes a lot of time. Our $25 gift card isn’t proper compensation (wish the district gave them a stipend) but it’s a little something.

It is their job to write letters of recommendation! It is inappropriate to give a gift. Please just have your child write a nice thank you letter.

It's not customary to give gifts. Saying thanks is enough. It's a lot of work for the teachers but it's also part of their job.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How can it be a bribe after the letter is done? Teachers are usually subject to gift limits so a small gift can be added to the note. Or maybe a holiday gift.

Fine, it looks like payment for a job well done. Wink wink, nudge nudge.

Totally disagree. This is a huge amount of work for the teachers (I’m not a teacher) and it’s really nice to do something nice for them just like you would get a small holiday gift for any other teacher your kids really like. OP, for my older child, I got something for his school counselor and the 2 teachers. Spent about $25 each and my kid wrote a note. Plan to do the same again this year.

Anonymous wrote:How can it be a bribe after the letter is done? Teachers are usually subject to gift limits so a small gift can be added to the note. Or maybe a holiday gift.

Fine, it looks like payment for a job well done. Wink wink, nudge nudge.

How can it be a bribe after the letter is done? Teachers are usually subject to gift limits so a small gift can be added to the note. Or maybe a holiday gift.

No gifts.

Anonymous wrote:A thank you note. At the end of senior year, another note

This. Do not do anything else. It looks like a bribe.

A thank you note. At the end of senior year, another note

My Son really likes the teacher who wrote his LOR. What can we give her in thanks?