Anonymous wrote:Can I just say that we all know that Starbuck's food is AWFUL and fattening. I dislike the teachers complaining, but come on. Starbucks sucks for anything other than drinks.

Um, "we" don't all think their food is awful. I love the egg white spinach wrap and the salads are far from fattening. You are welcome to your opinion but others do not share your view.

Anonymous wrote:My issue with teacher gifts is that you're charged with assessing my child. And rather like political contributions, I think it's got to be hard for a teacher who receives a really nice gift(s) from a family not to view that child more sympathetically/favorably, at least in the immediate aftermath. It's not that I don't value your hard work and effort, but I'm much more inclined to express appreciation after my child has been promoted out of your class.

"I'm inclined to express appreciation after the fact..." (but who actually remembers/does, once school is out? . Schools are communities in ways that your dentist's office is not. Teachers will protect your child - whether a skinned knee or a shelter in place. Please, spare me your anecdotes of teachers you don't think would. Teacher, in GENERAL, would. No one is forcing you to give a gift, teachers will not show favoritism due to one. But the cards, the gestures, are nice. There are all kinds of ways to go, including the voluntary shared gift which as a teacher I happily pitch in for for my own children's teachers--but at the least a handwritten card is a kind and thoughtful civility. As to making the last week of school fun and special--yes learning, but also gauging the children as excited and tired and allowing them to do some crafts and play that fit their mood. Horrible, I know!

I think gifts for teachers in public school should be banned. I do not think it's ethical for teachers to accept gifts from students or parents. I highly respect the profession and support increased pay across the board.

I'm just sorry this ingrate is actually teaching kids. What a poor example to set for young minds.

Can I just say that we all know that Starbuck's food is AWFUL and fattening. I dislike the teachers complaining, but come on. Starbucks sucks for anything other than drinks.

As a fellow teacher, I say bring on the Starbucks gift cards. Please don't spoil it for the rest of us.

Here you go:

http://www.cardpool.com/

You're welcome. Now stop complaining and get back to work.

Anonymous wrote:My issue with teacher gifts is that you're charged with assessing my child. And rather like political contributions, I think it's got to be hard for a teacher who receives a really nice gift(s) from a family not to view that child more sympathetically/favorably, at least in the immediate aftermath. It's not that I don't value your hard work and effort, but I'm much more inclined to express appreciation after my child has been promoted out of your class.

This is why I have a problem with families inviting teachers to parties at their homes to give them designer bags (see other thread) and why I think the $10 gift limit for DC Government employees (or something like that) should be applied to teachers. I think a $20-25 gift card, but there's a point beyond that when it's just excessive.

OP, if you're not a troll, please consider another career. Anyone who goes into teaching for the money or the holiday gifts is going to be disappointed.

My inlaws were both teachers for years, and they probably had gotten hundreds of apple mugs and knickknacks total. They were so gracious to their students and wrote every family a thank you note.

So you want cold hard cash rather than appreciative notes from parents or kids?

Go into another field, OP.

Anonymous wrote:Teachers depending on where you work are not underpaid. That is what your profession pays and if you do not like it find a higher paying profession. I hate Starbucks too but a gift is a gift and appreciate it.

DC teachers are paid really well when you compare them to other Bach Degrees in their first 5 years out of college. Yes they work past 6pm but they do get holidays and much more than the standard 10 days almost every other person gets starting off. I think there is a lot wrong with education but I am not blaming teachers. The issue is isn't the salary though. Go into teaching becuase you love it, not because you wanted to make a ton of money.

Anonymous wrote:NEWSFLASH overworked teacher-- Starbuck's sells things other than coffee. I don't drink coffee either, and yet I enjoy their breakfast sandwiches, salads, sandwiches, tea, cookies, brownies, etc. Maybe your students would just like for you to buy a little treat for yourself?

p.s. You make more money than I do.

+1, and I get no bonus of any kind at my job.

My issue with teacher gifts is that you're charged with assessing my child. And rather like political contributions, I think it's got to be hard for a teacher who receives a really nice gift(s) from a family not to view that child more sympathetically/favorably, at least in the immediate aftermath. It's not that I don't value your hard work and effort, but I'm much more inclined to express appreciation after my child has been promoted out of your class.

Anonymous wrote:NEWSFLASH overworked teacher-- Starbuck's sells things other than coffee. I don't drink coffee either, and yet I enjoy their breakfast sandwiches, salads, sandwiches, tea, cookies, brownies, etc. Maybe your students would just like for you to buy a little treat for yourself?

p.s. You make more money than I do.

p.p.s You are welcome to give the Starbuck's card back to me if you don't want it.

NEWSFLASH overworked teacher-- Starbuck's sells things other than coffee. I don't drink coffee either, and yet I enjoy their breakfast sandwiches, salads, sandwiches, tea, cookies, brownies, etc. Maybe your students would just like for you to buy a little treat for yourself?

p.s. You make more money than I do.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How about nothing?
How about it's the thought that counts?

Signed,
Mom who bought gift cards for 4 teachers and small gifts for 19 other school staff members.

Same here. When my DS started naming all the teachers I realized we have a total of 17 gifts to give PLUS the contribution to the extended day cash gift.
We are happy to give and hope that everyone enjoys their gift cards and other items.

+100 I am just fine with giving nothing!