Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The average teacher spends $700 of his/her own money on the classroom.

How much does the average teacher pay on union dues?

That might be true of the average teacher but certainly not the average teacher at my school, where teachers frequently post Amazon wish lists for items large and small, which parents always buy.

I ignore teacher appreciation week but give generously during the holidays and at the end of the year, That's enough.

Our school is asking for upwards of 20 volunteers to cover classes while teachers enjoy a catered lunch. Love the catered lunch idea but finding that many people available in the middle of a school day seems unrealistic.

Anonymous wrote:The average teacher spends $700 of his/her own money on the classroom.

How much does the average teacher pay on union dues?

I'm a teacher, and even though our PTA has done lots of lovely stuff for us, my favorite happened today. A parent wrote a nice email to me about the difference I've made in her daightr's life and CCed the principal. Honestly, this meant more to me than anything else, and it cost no money.

(I've already written a thank you email!)

It seems simple enough to make it something that doesn't drive parents nuts. 1 day. Bring in a flower or have your kid write a note or draw a picture. If you are willing contribute toward 1 LUNCHEON for the whole faculty great, if not, no big deal. No need for daily luncheons where I would assume a lot of food is wasted because once it's left out too long it could spoil.

Anonymous wrote:I am the one who really educates my child at home and I don't get a single appreciation day for that. I left a full time job to be a SAHM.

#1it is part of the job when you give birth or adopt # 2, have you heard of Mother's Day #3 if you are raising an ungrateful child or have an ungrateful spouse that is another issue.

I am the one who really educates my child at home and I don't get a single appreciation day for that. I left a full time job to be a SAHM.

And the most interesting part is when your child's teacher does not seem to appreciate your gift.

The trend I'm noticing from our PTA is when they ask for donations for Teacher Appreciation and other things, they have backed away from giving a suggested amount and adding the vital "any amount is welcome." I missed the meeting where they decide to do this. Now the suggested amount is higher and fewer people participate.

There is a range of SES and you don't want to make these activities just a wealthy parent thing or a measure of how much you care by money and time. I think it's more important that you get a large number of parents wanting to do something-whether it's picking a flower or giving money toward a gift card or lunch rather than a small amount of moms who can give the time and money to make things posher and more and more over the top.

I also think there need to be some schoolwide guidelines and regulations to prevent things from becoming too over the top. Government employees could not accept some of the lavish luncheons and very large sum gift cards that are given at our school. This isn't about not valuing teachers enough. They are civil servants and you don't want them influenced by the fact room mom Larla always makes sure you get huge gift cards or PTA mom Shirley makes sure the luncheons are catered by the best restaurants.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But her patients don't need those things. Magazines, etc are nice to have. I buy supplies for my students because they actually need them. It's hard to work without pencils, paper/notebooks, glue sticks, scissors, etc.

She buys FOOD for patients who are hungry. I get that teachers do spend a lot of money on classroom supplies, but you really don't have to get into a who-has-it-worse competition. There are other professions where people give of their personal money and time.

Why are teachers spending money on supplies? I spent $50 on school supplies like crayons, pencils, paper, glue, folders, binders, etc in Sept bc the school supply list was epic. Don't tell me that wasn't enough to last the year that the teacher needs to buy more.
And what does the Pta do with that money from the Booster tho , school pictures, Fall festival, etc?
Use that money for the teachers!!

I don't spend much on supplies for my class--maybe $100 a year (including some new posters, replacing some things that break throughout the year, supplies needed for particular lessons/activities/celebrations, etc). I don't have to buy tissues or Clorox wipes, because my kids bring in plenty. I only occasionally have to buy personal supplies for students, as most students bring them in. That said, my school has about 10% FARM compared with some schools that have 90% farms.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our Wolfrap ES PTA has toned down this- but it's still not so easy for working parents.

It was manageable this year. I only had to pick up a school supply for one day and some type of treat for Friday. I'm a teacher at a different school where nothing is done and I'm ok with that. A PP had the perfect suggestion, send a box of tissues. I go through so many and would love those more than colored pens or chocolate. Or don't do anything because we all work and yes, teacher appreciation week is insane especially while we are figuring out Mother's Day plans for our own moms. It's one more thing for moms to do.

Other ideas that I would love to receive: hand sanitizer, reward stickers, gently used books (I love that our PTA suggested this one this year), or a nice card/letter.

Anonymous wrote:Our Wolfrap ES PTA has toned down this- but it's still not so easy for working parents.

It was manageable this year. I only had to pick up a school supply for one day and some type of treat for Friday. I'm a teacher at a different school where nothing is done and I'm ok with that. A PP had the perfect suggestion, send a box of tissues. I go through so many and would love those more than colored pens or chocolate. Or don't do anything because we all work and yes, teacher appreciation week is insane especially while we are figuring out Mother's Day plans for our own moms. It's one more thing for moms to do.

I actually have no problem with TA week as I love our teachers. If you have parents in class who are willing to chip in, it can be great.

One issue I have: at my school, apparently it's always done that the Friday before TA week room moms go to the school after pickup and decorate their teacher doors. Nobody from PTO thought to tell the kindergarten moms this. Guess who was scrambling last minute to see if a parent could go decorate our door because my schedule literally would not allow me to do that? With no notice! That was annoying. If something is done school wide MAKE IT KNOWN TO EVERYONE so we don't look like jerks for not doing it.

Anonymous wrote:Do we a dedicated Teacher's Day every year? Why not just celebrate on that particular day only.

Yes, please! The week-long celebration is excessive, and also exacerbates the already tense relationship between SAHMs and WOHMs.

If TA Day is a problem at your school - - can we all agree that fault lies with the Principal? They should be reining-in this behavior.