What do teachers actually want?

[bellarations]

At the end of term?
I know teachers don't actually expect presents, but what would like they most like to receive?
Please share your thoughts and ideas.
Is a class collection a better option?

[sarahquilt]

I'm a teacher and even just a card is appreciated. My favourite gift I got was a mug with my initial on it. It was so thoughtful that the mum used my first name for it too.

[KillmeNow]

A little note of thanks and a small child chosen object-pen,notebook,keyring type of thing.

Nothing with best teacher in the world on it.Or mentions teaching in any way.

No class present. Not everyone has the same opinion of the teacher and they cause a lot of stress for those involved. Besides it must be cringing to receive a big present when all you have been doing is your job.

A little note from a child who achieved something during the year is worth more than all the boxes of chocolates and bunches of flowers (or dare i say it - even spa days and jewellery) in the world.

[bellarations]

Thank Sarah and killmenow it's so nice to know that it really is the thought that counts.

[MidniteScribbler]

A handmade card is what I really love. And because we break for the year in December here, it's become common in my classroom now that students will get me a Christmas decoration (either homemade or purchased) as I'm a Christmas obsessive, and set up a big tree in the room which I put all the decorations I have received on it over the years (along with some class projects that we do during the season). Previous students love coming back and seeing the ornaments on the tree.

No big whole classroom presents please. It's embarrassing, rarely something that I'd really love, and there are instances where I may actually have to donate them back to the school due to gift rules if they go over a certain threshold. And a certainly don't want any parent dealing with the angst that seems to go along with these class collections.

[thepurplepenguin]

A card with a nice message that you can photocopy for your cpd file. An email to the head teacher. Flowers. Wine. Cath Kidston mugs.

[Hakluyt]

We always used to give flowers on the first day of the new term, rather than the last day. Teachers were always swamped on the last day, and I thought it was nice to have something to make going back to work a little easier!

[MidniteScribbler]

I love that idea Hakluyt. One year I had a child in my class who had parents who owned a florist supply company. She came in every Monday with a big bunch of flowers for the classroom. It really brightened up the room.

[Seventy6]

Better pay and conditions? Lol, I thought this was a strike thread!

[gymboywalton]

a note saying thank you, chocolate or a bottle of wine

[JustSpeakSense]

Seventy6

[ScouseBird8364]

Oooh, coming here to watch as I'm out of ideas this year! Usually, I tend to buy a Next diary, Next earrings, some Next make-up and a small box of choc's (Yup, I'm obsessed with Next!)

I wanted to be more imaginative this year, surely teachers have mugs coming out of their ears?

[stargirl1701]

A home made card with a message from the child.

[Eebahgum]

Yes, it really is the thought that counts. Scousebird your next stuff sounds lovely. We do tend to get a few mugs each year but we do use them. Had a lovely one from a child which was just a plain white one that the child had decorated with ceramic paint. Love it. Gifts that help me remember your child really make me smile. I once (about 10 years ago) had a cake made with me and my class decorated on top. Almost made me cry. Very memorable.

[MyFairyKing]

Not a teacher but used to work in a nursery. A handmade card if the child wants to but really, a nice comment about me (if you have any!) really warmed the cockles of my heart or a big hug and a thank you from the child - again if they want to. Candles, pens and chocolates were lovely but genuine sentiments meant an awful lot and I genuinely wouldn't want someone spending their money on me and worrying about it.

I now do a job where I get few thanks and a helluva lot of abuse. I get more "fuck yous" than "thank yous"!!!

[defineme]

A heartfelt message verbal or written.
However, I do appreciate hand cream, flowers and wine!

[HappyAgainOneDay]

Teachers strike and now expect to be rewarded for it by suggesting presents for the parents to give them?!

The strike is a reason to save your money, parents!

[stargirl1701]

No strike in Scotland, Happy.

...that might be a clue as to why English teachers are striking...

[UsedtobeFeckless]

Awaits deleation.

[MyFairyKing]

Parents, did you know that teachers are striking just to spite you?!

[HappyAgainOneDay]

Are you a teacher, Feckless? Tee hee.

[DustyCropHopper]

Ds1 and his teacher have 'bonded' over a particular local football team (a league one team, not a high flying one) so he wants to get her a mug or something with 'their' team on it. I worked in a school and can honestly say most teachers were happy with a hand made card, or nothing at all. Most do not 'expect' a gift.

[UsedtobeFeckless]

Nope, but my mum and sister are!

The hours my sister works are insane - I know they're not all saints by any means but the ones at DS's school do a great job and I don't see why they shouldn't have the right to strike just because they're teachers.

[FishCalledWonder]

Wine. Always wine. The only thing that gets you throught the last week of summer hysteria is the thought of wiiiiiiiiine.