Last year we brought in boxes of gourmet cookies for the teachers and all the specials teachers and a few other staff (security guard, librarian, janitor.) We wanted to get something that would express how we appreciate all the staff and how the school works as a team.
As the child of a 41 year public school teacher I know there is not enough space in the house for all the "best teacher" mugs, crafts and glass apple knick knacks that they get. Hand written notes are a good way to go. Even better are the notes you get in the mail from students who have gone on to make something of their lives as adults (like the kid who became a judge) or still remember you and credit you with inspiring them in some way, to go to college or just not give up.
This year when you are thinking about your kid's teacher take a moment to think about that teacher that you still remember fondly and drop them a note. Unless you are writing from prison.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've been both a preschool teacher and an assistant; in most cases, I received the same gift/amount as my coworker. Yes, the teacher does the lesson plans, but the assistant usually has the job of cleaning up after children, assisting with behavior concerns, and helping with bathroom accidents; in other words, they do a lot of the dirty work.

+1 Lead teachers are making the lesson plans and usually doing the primary activities when I arrive at pickup. Assistant teachers are changing poopy diapers and sweeping up the messes after snack or at the sensory table or when a kid pukes or bleeds. Both are thankless jobs and deserve thanks and recognition for a job well done.

Chances are, the lead teacher has higher qualifications/experience. That has its rewards.

Not true in private preschools; there may not be any openings for teaching positions, so qualified people will take an assistant position just to get on staff to have a chance at future lead teaching positions.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've been both a preschool teacher and an assistant; in most cases, I received the same gift/amount as my coworker. Yes, the teacher does the lesson plans, but the assistant usually has the job of cleaning up after children, assisting with behavior concerns, and helping with bathroom accidents; in other words, they do a lot of the dirty work.

+1 Lead teachers are making the lesson plans and usually doing the primary activities when I arrive at pickup. Assistant teachers are changing poopy diapers and sweeping up the messes after snack or at the sensory table or when a kid pukes or bleeds. Both are thankless jobs and deserve thanks and recognition for a job well done.

Chances are, the lead teacher has higher qualifications/experience. That has its rewards.

Anonymous wrote:I've been both a preschool teacher and an assistant; in most cases, I received the same gift/amount as my coworker. Yes, the teacher does the lesson plans, but the assistant usually has the job of cleaning up after children, assisting with behavior concerns, and helping with bathroom accidents; in other words, they do a lot of the dirty work.

+1 Lead teachers are making the lesson plans and usually doing the primary activities when I arrive at pickup. Assistant teachers are changing poopy diapers and sweeping up the messes after snack or at the sensory table or when a kid pukes or bleeds. Both are thankless jobs and deserve thanks and recognition for a job well done.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What grade? I'm giving both the main kindergarten teacher and the full time assistant the same thing: $30 gift cards. I'm giving "specials" teachers, like PE, art, and music $20 gift cards.

Give to the once a week gym teacher and art teacher too ??? Does everyone do this?

I have no idea. It's a private school if that matters, so I know they make about half what MCPS teachers do. And my son loves them all.

Anonymous wrote:What grade? I'm giving both the main kindergarten teacher and the full time assistant the same thing: $30 gift cards. I'm giving "specials" teachers, like PE, art, and music $20 gift cards.

Give to the once a week gym teacher and art teacher too ??? Does everyone do this?

I've been both a preschool teacher and an assistant; in most cases, I received the same gift/amount as my coworker. Yes, the teacher does the lesson plans, but the assistant usually has the job of cleaning up after children, assisting with behavior concerns, and helping with bathroom accidents; in other words, they do a lot of the dirty work.

Anonymous wrote:I've been saving drawings DS has done for the last couple of months. I'm writing "Thank you for being my teacher! Love ______" and having him write his name on them. We'll give those out. Who the hell has this kind of disposable money to give all these people?

That's a great idea. I'm PP with the gift cards. I have always written a very sincere note to my son's teachers, and honestly I think that's what matters most. Since my son is in kindergarten now and his fine motor skills are better, I am also going to find some easy craft thing to do that he can give them.

I've been saving drawings DS has done for the last couple of months. I'm writing "Thank you for being my teacher! Love ______" and having him write his name on them. We'll give those out. Who the hell has this kind of disposable money to give all these people?

kindergarten full day- THANKS!

What grade? I'm giving both the main kindergarten teacher and the full time assistant the same thing: $30 gift cards. I'm giving "specials" teachers, like PE, art, and music $20 gift cards.

Our class of 20 has one substitute teacher (until December) and an assistant teacher. Suggestions for a gift card amount? Do I need to get them the same thing? No right? The teacher does the lesson plans.