to thank my child's teacher for working so hard

[BanishedToPadua]

According to the DFE workload survey published today, primary teachers are working an average of 59.3 hours per week.

Link here www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/285941/DFE-RR316.pdf

[Nousernameforme]

Well they might think you are a bit odd if out of the blue you go up to them and say "thank you for working so hard" perhaps best to leave it until the end of term and you can put it in a card if you still feel the need to.
So yes YABU

[WorraLiberty]

Don't you just thank them every parents evening anyway?

[Pipbin]

I had a parent once bring me a random bottle of wine to say thank you.

[nannynewo]

What a lovely idea Banished I am sure any teacher working a lot of hours like that would really appreciate a thank you every now and again. Don't listen to the posters saying YABU. There is not enough nice gestures in this world!

[Tailtwister]

I think it's nice to give positive feedback for a job well done, but I wouldn't do it on the basis of a workload report. I always email DS1's teacher if I feel she's gone the extra mile to help him (or give me advice), but to do it on the basis of hours worked might appear a little odd imo.

Most people work more hours than they are paid for, myself included. If a client praised me on the basis of that alone I would feel a bit patronised tbh.

[Hulababy]

It's always lovely to have someone say thank you for a job well done. It doesn't have to be a specific time either. Go for it - I am sure the teacher will be pleased :)

[mypocketsarevide]

They are just doing the job they are paid for !

[Nomama]

Oh say it often, best when others can hear you.

It absolutely lights up a teacher's day when it happens and a teachery audience makes it utterly delightful for all who hear it, it sort of gets shared, basked in. Trust me... I am a teacher

[manicinsomniac]

YANBU, that's sweet.

But there is working and working.

I'm at school from 8am until 11pm today. This happens about twice a week and some weekends. I probably work an average of 75 hours a week in termtime.

But:
a) I'm 'at work' but currently sat on my arse on mumsnet
b) come school holidays I work an average of about 2 hours a day!

SO, before you thank your teacher, consider than she might be a lazy bum like me who is technically present but ... yes, on mumsnet! And who then checks out for the holidays.

But she might not be. She might work very hard!

[ConferencePear]

A colleague of mine gave up teaching languages in school and took up a job as a tour guide. At a party in his house some time later he produced with a flourish a large pile of A4 sheets which were photocopies of thank you letters written to his employers.
He said proudly, "This is the biggest difference between my job and yours".
I'm sure your child's teacher would appreciate a word of thanks; there's no need for a gift.
I can't imagine where you work manicinsomniac.