I'm a teacher, and I got a Christmas card from a parent with what seems like an overly generous cash gift inside. On one hand, it's less than the bonus I got as a nanny at Christmas, but I'm not sure how to respond. Do I just send the standard Thank You card? Maybe an email thanks and then a card? Do I spend some of it on my classroom? I'm thankful, I'm just not sure what would be appropriate. Any suggestions?

Anonymous wrote:I am a teacher, making WAY less money than I would in public school, and I go ridiculously above and beyond for my students. Parents express their sincere gratitude to me regularly, and I definitely appreciate it. I also appreciate Christmas gift cards.

Those of us who teach public school also "go ridiculously above and beyond for [our] students."

It is unfortunate that some of the comments about cash gifts are ungrateful and ugly... and will probably cause more than one parent from giving any teacher gifts. I mean really, what is wrong with giving a gift of cash? In many cultures it is perfectly acceptable to give cash gifts. Also, isn't it the thought that counts... that a family/parent thought enough of their child(ren)'s teacher to give a gift to show appreciation; whether it's $20 cash, a $20 mug, a $20 gift certificate or even $100 of whatever? The idea that any teacher could be bribed by a $100 is absurd and is an insult to teachers. Although $100 is large gift for many people to give or recieve, it may not be for others. The ungrateful teacher who posted above about accepting the $100 cash gift and than joking about that child getting into upper school based on bribes is a classless gossip and hopefully no longer in any classroom influencing children with that type of attitude. If these teachers were so incensed/offended about receiving gifts of cash they should have graciously declined the gifts and/or asked the administration to issue policies no gifts, no gifts of cash, etc., but they should not take the gifts and then talk about the families and students behind their backs. That's just disgusting behavior.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:these women?

Should she have said "these hos?"

What word could be more respectful than women?

Ahahahahhahahahaa

3:16 follow up ... Her son still got a C- in my class and I still got generous gifts after honest grades and report comments. He did go on, with a B-/C+ GPA, to get into one of the highly competitive HS in that area. I guess she eventually paid off the right person!

My first year teaching (in another state) colleagues warned me not to be surprised when a particular mother handed me a $100 bill at Christmas time. I was horrified but the admin knew she did this and didn't make her stop or tell teachers not to accept. It was bizarre (but no, I didn't take the high road and decline gracefully, as I'm guessing some will suggest I should have).

Anonymous wrote:Private school teacher here. Yes, we are not highly paid. Yes, we go "above and beyond." However, we are professional educators and should not be "tipped"! A small gift is always nice if you are so inclined, but getting expensive gifts from my students is rather uncomfortable to me (a Starbucks card or something small like that is fine and appreciated).

I would be absolutely mortified if a parent gave me cash. That seems really inappropriate. (I have never gotten cash from a parent FWIW!)

Amen.

Tipping? Teachers? WTF?......

Parent of a HS student here- we give $10 starbucks gift cards to every teacher- wish we could do more, but that is what we can do and we figure most people can enjoy it or re-gift it as desired. DD writes a note in the card.