Thanks clearbrook73! I like the hall idea. Since I read your message yesterday, I was thinking of maybe putting it on our school web page as well. Thank you for the detailed explanation. I printed it because I am working at two schools this semester and I could start the program at both schools....thanks to YOU!

Lee-Anne

The get to know your teacher program is posted on the bulletin board at school. Each teacher gets a card to fill out and then it is hung in the hallway. I'm not sure who organized it, but I really appreciate it. I know the PTO did not because I'm on it. It is great idea-who ever thought of it! The card says: Teachers Name___, Grade Level___, Favorite Food___, Children___, Pets___, Favorite Hobby___, Favorite Sport___. This is for Elementary school. I think any school can do this.
My introduction letter is something I've always done to help transitioning into a new year. I think I'm the only parent in my school that does this, but I've brought it up at PTO meetings to encourage parents to do it as well. I taught preschool for 8 years and I've always encouraged parents to write me a letter before class starts. I always told them to ask their child what they would like the teacher to know about them. That way, the teacher doesn't have to spend weeks trying to figure out where they are socially, academically, and can nurture a child that may be shy or really scared about school starting. I know the teachers we have had in the past really appreciate it.

Clearbrook,

Would you please post the ?s for the Get To Know Your Teacher Program?

Dear Clearbrook73:
Who organizes the "Get to Know Your Teacher" program?

Is this for elementary school? How would it work for Jr. High or High School?

I really like the idea of an introduction letter. Do most parents do that? My daughter isn't school age yet.

In the beginning of the year, our teachers fill out a get to me card. It states what their favorite food is, if they have any pets, if they have any children, etc. So, I give a gift card to a favorite food choice restaurant. In the beginning of the year, I always write an introduction letter for my daughter. I list her strengths, weaknesses, shyness, any medical information, and a little about what she is interested in. I include a gift card to a teacher store or walmart for any supplies she might need for the year too. At Christmas time, it's great if you can get other parents to chip in for a gift card to the mall...teachers love that!

I usually give a picture frame or a door-chime something the teacher can use at home or in the classroom.

Yankee Candles are really nice. Then, us teachers don't get fat on a Starbuck's or Baskin Robbin's outing :).

Just one thing to consider with gift cards. If you bought one for Sharper Image, when it went into bankruptcy it was no longer worth anything. In addition, some gift cards reduce in value every month that they are not used -- so be sure to examine terms and conditions before you purchase :)

I agree with the gift card idea. A gift card to their favorite coffee shop, book store, or stationery store, etc.

I am with dhfl143....I always give something I think they can use! The gift cards seem to be the best hit.

We usually give something that you use, as campared to memento type idems:

Block buster movie package (free rental and bag of popcorn)

Candle

plant

candies

gift certificate for Starbucks

Although, one year we had each child put one hand print and sign their name on a fleece square and tied them all together to make a one of a kind blanket that folded itself into a pillow. That was a neat momento gift.

I am answering eccentric thank you.

Deborah Hamilton:

What are you writing about here...discipline or the answer to the question, What kind of gift do you give a teacher at the end of the year? Your response is confusing.

eccentric thanks,I have always listen to my children's teacher and my kids that's how I made it.my kids have been wrong and I punished them and they knew I did'nt play when it came to school,and their have been some teacher's out of order and we communicated very well because they also knew I ment business when it came to my kids being taught.I discpline my kids when they were young and they grew up behaveing good out in public.most of my kids teachers like them because they knew I trainned my kids to have respect for their teacher's and if they did not get respect back to let me know and I would talk to the teachers,most of the time we all got alone and I thank GOD for the communication.that's why I was always giving gifts and writing good letters to the teachers.

Deborah,
I'm sure your kids are honestly those angels who never gave any hassle to any teachers! Neither were you one of that pesky parent...I'm sure those teachers were truly blessed to have you and your family! Cheers!

My son's second grade teacher is truly a phenomenal teacher and a compassionate person. My son matured a lot in her class and honestly, I learnt a few things from her also. I made a gift basket for her that contained some of the things I like some of which were Lavazza coffee, Belgian chocolates, all natural Olive Oil and herb crackers, Butter cookies, nut and fruit cereal bars, and my personal favorite...my home made "signature" salsa! She loved everything in the basket. I feel truly blessed that my son had a teacher like her and this gift basket came from the heart. :)

We were thinking of bookstore gift cards or Target.She has a new baby, so, I know that Target would also be as useful a gift as fun Summer reading books for a teacher.

We have a lot of good teachers,and school staff out their taking care and teaching our children to be the best they can be,I congradulate all of you.the ones that taught my kids and other kids,because you all are special and need to be given gifts from parents,because we know you all are not being paid the right amount of money.teacher's need top pay.I am not a teacher,nor am I a staff member,but I do know what teacher's go through sometime with parents,and their nice,spoil,blessed kids,and a lot of the good teacher's have to suffer because of the bad teacher's that are out their,so I say to all parents if you know a teacher is doing a good job in their classroom appreciate them and put a smile on their faces.

An envelope with $5 or $10 gift cards to places like Starbucks, Target, In N Out or something a little nicer like a $40 gift card to the local nail salon or day spa. Things like a wooden apple or other desk dust catchers are cute but the teacher doesn't need 30 x lots of years of these things. She or he would love something more personal and practicle.

Teachers are underpaid!! I have found the best gift to give a teacher is a hand written note from the child and cash. I have coached and still have gift cards that are more than a year old and some that expired before they were used. I will never give gift cards again after being the recipient of them- cash is a much better gift for the receiver and if your child had a good teacher a great way to thank that teacher.

Last night at graduation I told a fellow teacher friend how excited I was to get a four pack box of almonds from a mother who appreciated the support I gave her and her son when her youngest son died this winter. I asked her if she received any gift and told her all about the awesome ideas you all have had on this site and she said, "Oh tomorrow I'm going to get a pedicure with the gift certificate her T.A. gave her." We commented on how in Jr. High we received gifts and wondered what changed in High School.

I am very encouraged to read so many creative ways you parents are honoring the teachers in your childrens' lives. It is impressive to think how much time you put in to just THINKING about honoring them. I applaud you and leave you with two new ideas above.

As a room mom for many years, I send out a note to all parents offering them the option to participate in a class gift for the teacher. I state it is entirely optional and that any amount would be appreciated. I state that whatever amount I end up collecting that I will get a gift card and a presentation card for the teacher with the names of the participating children. This method was recommended to me by an experienced room mom. This seems to alleviate a lot of problems that may be associated with a group gift. I have usually collected from $120-$150 with about half of a class of 20-25 families participating. Indiviual families have contributed between $5 and $25. So far it has worked. My personal goal would be to collect at least $100. If I hadn't (which I always have) collected at least $100, I would personally make up the difference.I have also given the collection as cash. Putting $50 & $100 bills in the card. This way there is no expiration date or rules and limitations for the teacher that Visa/MC gift cards often have.whta does anyone think about giving cash versus gift cards?I do not collect for a Holiday gift at Christmas. I feel to leave that to individual families.

We donate a book to the school library with a "dedication" on the cover. We select a book appropriate to the field, i.e. a sports figure for the Physical Education teacher. The children and I make a card or write a card, depending on time, to say thank you and tell them about the book.

This question has two parts for me.
1) I give my son's teachers gift cards. He is in first grade, but this year he has a teacher, a classroom aide, the health clerk (who gives him breathing treatments when his asthma acts up), and two after school care providers. The teacher and aide got $25 and $15 gift cards to Border's Books. The health clerk got a $10 gift card to Border's, and the after school care providers got $10 gift cards to Cold Stone Creamery. I try to remember everyone who works with my son throughout the year because they are all important with regard to his education and safety.
2) As a school-based speech-language pathologist, I have received quite a few gifts from students over the past 11 years. Any gift the children give me is appreciated as it shows that their parents are happy with the work I have done with their child(ren). However, I have 40+ students annually and I can't possibly keep all of the little knick knacks or eat all of the candy/muffins/homemade fudge I am given. I DO appreciate the gifts, but something useful is always best. If the family wants to give a gift, gift cards are best (in my opinion). If the family cannot afford a present or just doesn't want to give one, I love notes that they write to express their thanks or that share a special memory. That is the absolute best gift of all and I keep each of the notes and cards I receive. I even hang them on my bulletin board behind my desk because I love to read them over and over again.
Aloha! :)

Since reading is such a big part of what my kids - ages 41/2 & 6 are learning right now, we are making their teachers keepsake bookmarks, with the kids' picture and a little thank you note on them. They are laminated and have a nice ribbon on the top. Cute and personal (and useful)

Every year I make the teachers cardigans out of sweatshirts. The cost is not much when you pick up sweatshirts and fabric on sale. The teachers hang them on their chairs and wear them when it gets chilly. I personalize them so they know who's whose. I figure by the time all 4 of my children have gone thru the school every teacher will have one. The teachers even fight over who's gonna get my kid in their class just to get a sweatshirt! Anyone want to know how to make it email me. It's quick and easy!

Nutella Queen, I don't think it's absurd at all , the teachers don't get paid enough and if parents want to be generous and are able to contribute to reimbursing the teacher for her out of pocket expenses she is spending to improve your and my child's education I think she deserves AT LEAST 20 dollars for a gift, twice a year of course in High School that's 4 or 5 teachers so yes it does add up, but I feel it's worth it to show appreciation.

Grilling out at a park together and honoring the teacher with a cake would be simple in some schools. It's a great way for everyone to work together and celebrate an excellent year! Expenses are shared, so nobody is overwhelmed.
Classes with crafty parents could make the teacher a personalized scrapbook of memories, photos, and notes from the children.
One teacher at my son's school makes each member of the class a DVD with photos from the school year set to music. He plans it all year, so he takes the photos and plans the music as the school year progresses. He also gives them homemade "coupons" to go to dinner with him at certain milestones like high school graduation and college graduation.
It's a small school, and the teachers are very thoughtful. I like to give them something that fits them. One is getting married... one is buying a new home... one is about to take a family trip... one likes to frame each year's class photo for the classroom... one loves to read historical fiction....

Parents at our school go in together and get gift certificates to local restaurants and have an appreciation lunch at school for all the teachers.
I know some who would like pre-paid gasoline cards, I-tunes cards, or tickets to a special event!
It would be fun to post to a teachers' forum asking them to list their favorite, most unique, or most sentimental end-of-year gift from a student.

I love orchids! Most teachers spend $800.-$1000. a year out of their own pocket for teaching materials. The gift certificate to OFFICE DEPOT is perfecto!

nutellaqueen,

I agree, $20. is absurd. It is all about being appreciated and honored as a teacher.

The gift-giving for teachers at Christmas time and end-of-academic year has gotten way out of hand, I believe.
At the private school my children were enrolled in (San Francisco), room parents were asking about $20 per family for the teachers. Were they crazy? That means giving a gift of at least $300 twice a year to a teacher that is already being paid for her job! I think that pouring on expensive gifts is "expected" or some kind of status thing for these parents. It's as if they want to prove to the teachers that they're not cheap. Either that, or the competition...appalling.
What happened to the idea of a gift as a simple act of appreciation (emphasis on "simple") to a teacher?
Let's bring back reasonable gifts and not "show off" with dropping large amounts of money.
Parents who agree with this should just say "no" and opt out of the group gift idea. Make or buy your own individual gift for the teacher.
It will be much more touching and appreciated (and as a teacher myself, I know!)

My son's got orchids and a nice card and for the one male teacher he had , an eat out gift certificate and a card.

Gift certificate to a local teacher's store, or a gift certificate to and office supply store like Office Max. All the teachers I know spend money out of their own pockets for their classroom, so I generously get a $25 gift certificate for more depending on the amount I can give at that time. I also let my daughter buy a little something that she buys or makes herself.

Great idea...sacrificial, personal, thoughtful gift! The smallest act of kindness is better than the greatest intention!

We took a collection from all families $5.00 per family and gave the teacher a Visa gift card that she could use anywhere. In addition one of the parents put together a wonderful scrapbook including a collection of recipes from families and we took a picture of the class with the teacher and gave it to her framed and matted with the kids all signing the mat. (this teacher by the way was moving out of the state at the end of the school year). I truly believe that taking a collection and giving the teacher a gift card that can be utilized most anywhere is a very appreciated gift!

Dear Annoymous...I'm the teacher you wrote to on Sat. Thank you for your kind words. This is the last week of school...hopefully one of the parents from my class read this!

This is for the teacher that says she hasn't' received a thank you note or any kind of appreciation in the past 3 or 4 years....

It made me very sad to read your comment on here because I know how important it is for one to feel the appreciation of the effort given not only at any job but especially when it comes to the matter of educating our children. Why, after all, teachers are the most important people in a child's life. One thing I can tell you is as a parent and home earner, sometimes there is just not enought time, or resources, to make a gift to every teacher, after school program provider, or other students your child may want to give gifts to at the end of every year. What the schools this way do to make sure the teacher gets recognized is the class parent sends out a letter to collect $2 from each student (voluntarily) to buy something from the whole class to the teacher (elementary school) at the end of the year. Some schools may make a collection for the teacher's aide as well, if there is one. Times have changed and with the busy schedules of running to pick up your child after school and weekends not being long enough for all of the activities we want to get them involved in, we tend to overlook those that we are not in direct contact with, but I am sure that your love, dedication and commitment are appreciated, it is very sad that a lot of parents out there have lost a lot of that caring touch towards the teachers and show their children the same, to give thanks to those who educate them for teachers pave the path to the successful person they can be in the future. I urge every parent reading this response to encourage their children to buy a thank you card from the family to their teacher(s) at the end of the year (and at any other time for that matter) and have the parent as well as themselves fill it out to the teacher ... even if there is no material gift involved, this could mean the world to them, and you make your child aware of how important it is to be grateful and give thanks to this person that has dedicated his or her life cultivating their young minds.

When I know a teacher is a good teacher I write a nice letter about her or him and give it to the Principal to read and give to the teacher,and I have given gift cards,and my child buys and give teachers presents and gifts for different occasions,all through the year.

Every gift no matter how small, handmade, or large is always appreciated. As an elementary teacher I love the notes that just say thank you: we do need a reminder that somebody sees we pour our money, time, effort, and prayers into someone else's child. My favorite gift of all time was a parent who collected $2 from every student and then gave me a gift certificate to get a massage! For my own children's teachers I will purchase a Barnes and Noble gift card in high hopes she will buy a book for herself, but knowing full-well she will purchase the latest "perfect read-a-loud" for her classroom. Having kiddos come back and visit the next year is the best treat a teacher could have!

most teachers need caffine in the morning to begin their day , me as a parent will give my daughters teacher a gift card from dunkin donuts.

To answer your question, I am a teacher and I just received my very first candle warmer ever and I love it! It's not the type of item I buy myself, but came in very handy.

I agree , a more suitable gift should have been chosen.

Re: the drink maker as a gift for the teacher.

I am a high school teacher. It is so encouraging to read all of these responses. Remember, 'the smallest act of kindness is better than the greatest intention.' Nobody seems to know there is a Teacher Appreciation Day and gifts are considered 'sucking up' at my school. The receiving of gifts is my love language (read The Five Love Languages book) and I have received 4 year-end thank you gifts in the past 5 years. I used to get a thank you note from a student here and there. Sadly, it just doesn't happen at my school. Last year 3 classes out of five left on the last day at school...no "thank you", "have a nice summer", nada. I have poured my life into these children and their families for the past 21 years. I attend their sporting events, photo graph them, hang pictures on the wall, give them a copy. I send sympathy cards, sing on their birthday in class. It feels like they don't even think of me as a person. A letter or a $7.00 Starbuck's card would allow me to meet a student for coffee. If the teacher has a hobby like scrapbooking or has a pet, you could personalize your gift even more. I am transferring out of teaching and into counseling hoping to make a difference in another route. You have such an opportunity to teach your children how to honor others. I, on behalf of all teachers, am asking you to take this opportunity.

During the early years, for special events and at special occasions; appreciation week, holidays, etc., I would join the group giving gift or make some earrings for the teacher but a couple of years ago when my son was graduating from elementary school, I presented each teacher my son had had, and the Principal, with the same gift: a silver chain with an apple charm made of clear crystal quartz and silver stem. It was an expensive gift as I had to buy 7 of them that year, and I have continued the tradition now in middle school (7 teachers per year + counselor and Principal when we leave). And, now instead of the small gifts throughout the year, I only give this one nice gift at the end, and that way they will always remember my son (our family) by it and might even run into other teachers wearing it and, smile. For the few men he has had, I buy a gift card from a specialty store; music, sports, best buy, etc., but I no longer buy anything during the year and I feel it balances out. Of course, this was for my oldest son - whom you do everything for so I ran into a problem when the following year my younger son was graduating from the same school, and similar teachers!! I decided to still give the "new" teachers the apple but the "same" teachers, I decided on a pair of heart shaped pearl earrings and will continue the tradition in middle school - next month will be hard as it is the first year I will have to buy 14 apples! Yikes =)

We have always made a point of giving the teacher something meaningful, personal and unique. We often do something homemade and incorporate it with a giftcard, however, this year we were faced with a unique situation. Some of the parents took it upon themselves to purchase the teacher a Margarita Maker ( a very nice and expensive gift) along with all the trimmings (including the alcohol required). Not all parents input was requested. This very generous gift was presented to the teacher during the class end-of-year party with the students (4th graders) present. I felt uncomfortable with this type of gift since in our family we encourage our kids to avoid the use of alcohol and I feel it puts the teacher in a very awkward position - since she is a leader to our kids. It seems this would have been more appropriate in more private setting rather than a public school classroom. I would be curious to hear others opinion.

Since I get to know the teacher by school yearend, I have an idea what he/she would like. I'm a stay at home mom so I like doing crafty things or baking. One year I made a candy dish out of plastic canvas/ yarn and then put homemade fudge. Muffins are well received and can be gived in a cheap basket covered with a piece of fabric usually a leftover from a sewing product. I'm amazed at what other people pay for a home-touch gift. There is so much you can do to an item like candles, bath gifts, ect. where you can add a personal touch that a teacher would like.

When my son had only one teacher, I usually gave a class/group holiday gift mid-year, and an individual one at the end during Teacher Appreciation Week. One thing I helped start a few years back was a questionnaire for each teacher about her preferences (a restaurant you've always wanted to try, favorite flower/office supply/food etc, "I can never have too many ....") which was helpful in choosing gifts, although with our favorite teachers I liked to put together a special basket of goodies including a gift card, none expensive but around a theme suited to that particular teacher's interests or preferences.
Now that there are multiple teachers, we give a mid year gift card (in differing amounts because we rank the teachers by helpfulness, etc.) At the end of the year, I write a nice card thanking them specifically.

I give gift cards and try to make is something that they can enjoy aside from being a teacher. My favorite for the ladies is to Bath & Body Works because they can get something to pamper themselves, and they probably don't get much opportunity for that otherwise. Sporting store for the male PE teacher, bookstore for the one who seems to love their books, etc.

I've given different types of gifts to my son's teachers throughout his schooling. Some have been homemade by my son, others I've helped him with. I've given Gift Cards to Educational Stores that the teacher has mentioned she obtains supplies from for her classroom. Gift Cards to Arts and Crafts stores, Gift Cards to Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks, or a near-by retail store (Target or Walmart, etc.) Or Gift Cards to STAPLES for classroom supplies for the teacher. Regardless of what my son has given, all the teachers
have expressed extreme gratitude in being remembered. And they were all kind enough to send a Thank You card to my son during the summer break, which he just loves receiving mail addressed to him!!

Hope this gives some ideas to you.

"Who needs more junk to clutter up the house (or classroom) like candle warmers or ornaments?" ~Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

The question was...What kind of gift do you give a teacher at the end of the year? I'm curious to know what types of gifts (if any) you and your child give teachers at the end of the schoo year. How do you decide what's appropriate?

You should have stopped your reply at the period at the end of restaurant.

No one is disagreeing that teachers don't get paid enough to do the job they do but to belittle other parents attempts at doing something extra nice, other than gift certificates, was just plain rude.

I would go the other way on this. We should treat teachers like the professionals they are and pay them professional wages. Do we tip our doctors and lawyers? Giving teachers gifts perpetuates the notion that teachers entry-level service providers like restaurant servers. In so far as there is little chance of our addressing this issue, I would recommend giving teachers something they'd actually use: like a gift card to Starbucks or to a popular restaurant. Who needs more junk to clutter up the house (or classroom) like candle warmers or ornaments?

I always give a Scentsy warmer and bar. These are beautiful decorative candle warmers and VERY highly scented wax that is warmed with the heat from a 25 watt light bulb. Every year I have gotten comments from the teacher about how much they love their Scentsy and the fact that they can keep it in the classroom or take it home to enjoy.

I am a teacher and I like all gifts but I especially like when the parents join together and give me a gift card so that I can Spoil myself with something really worth while and remember the class everytime I see it.

Usually there is a note from the homeroom mother to donate $ for a gift/certificate, also at the holidays. So I always contribute. At Christmas I try to find one of those ornaments that you can slide a small photo in and use my sons fall school picture. I write his name on back and the year so she can hang it on her tree. Of course, I have made sure ahead of time that she has a tree so as not to offend! :)

OK, here comes the response from a teacher. I teach for a minimal salary, simply because I love what I am doing. In the past two years the only gifts I have received are a homemade scarf and a pack of bookmarks, these were a wonderful surprise. I do not expect any gifts from my kiddos or their parents. At the end of the year I give the kids my email address, the best gift they can give me is an email letting me know what/how they are doing over the summer.

keep it simple,a nice bouquet of flowers or a $25 gift card

I have given teachers perennial plants in a hand painted pot (with my child's hand prints and name on it) if I know they like to garden. I've also given them spa certificates for a pedicure, if they keep their nails nice. A framed picture of them with my child that I was able to shoot during an event at the school, gift certificates to a sports store for the coaches, etc. My favorite was when I was able to find a day when the kinder teacher would be out of class and I bought a huge pot for every child to put a hand print on (in primary colors - of course) and I wrote their names in paint marker next each, took a picture of the class and framed it. My kids also like to make teacher beaded angle ornaments that Wal-Mart sells at Christmas time. I stock up and make ornaments with them for special gifts for the well deserving teachers.

It's not difficult to find a gift that's suitable for each teacher if you're active with them. Sign up and become the Room Mom & you learn a lot about them and they'll appreciate you more for it.

I've given a scarf and a gift certificate to a department store as gifts. A thank you card is nice also to go along with the gift. good luck!

Clearly your personal budget and your personal value of the teacher are taken into account concerning an end of the year gift - but I think giving them a gift that spoils them and let's them enjoy the laziness of a summer afternoon is appropriate whether it be a book, a dinner gift certificate, picnic basket with goodies, museum pass etc If you really love and appreciate their annual dedication to your child, I do feel it's more than appropriate to award their effort and dedication. Not all teachers go that extra mile!

I USUALLY TRY AND FIND OUT WHO THEIR FAVORITE AUTHOR IS AND GIVE A BOOK OR A JOURNAL TO WRITE IN. EVEN A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO tARGET OF SOMEWHERE THEY CAN PURCHASE SOMETHING FOR THEMSELVES OR THEIR CLASSROOM.