To not understand end of year gifts for teachers?

[Threecactusplants]

That time is upon us.
My DS’s class WhatsApp ‘admin’ has asked if people want to contribute towards a voucher for the teacher - suggested donation £10 each.
AIBU but the teachers are being paid for this job, they’re not doing it voluntarily.
Okay I understand if the child is leaving/in last year or the teacher is leaving.

To be honest, I haven’t been hugely impressed this year, DS’s teacher has been quite slack and we have had very little communication. He’s been happy going to school which is the main thing but I probably would have got a small card or asked him to make one. It’s only a small class of 21 so if I don’t contribute it’ll be obvious.

It's optional OP - you don't have to contribute. I give my postman a tenner at Christmas, he gets paid too but it's just a nice gesture.

If you don’t wish to contribute, don’t contribute.

The teacher won’t care.

I stopped contributing to whole class collections because I found it frustrating that everyone then turned up with individual gifts in addition to the collection which is madness.

If asked I would just say “we’re doing our own thing this year”. No one will really care.

I think of it as an optional tip - given for good service. So if you don't think the service has been above average, don't contribute.
I wouldn't be shy about saying why I didn't want to give anything, which you may not want to.

I contributed because DD’s teacher definitely deserved it. I think it’s an acknowledgment of a job well done personally. If I thought her teacher was poor I wouldn’t contribute.

Don't do it. I never did exept for their final year.

It's just tat that gets given and I agree, nobody will notice/ care.

I give Christmas cards with honey in to the binmen and postman too. They also get paid.

I don't get the gift thing. I don't get gifts from clients, or rarely even a thank you. I do make a point of personally thanking teachers who have worked hard to help DC, so they know we genuine appreciate it.

However, I also don't get the class WhatsApp groups. They're not a thing here (not UK). I drop my DC and pick them up, and deal with anything that needs it, directly with the teacher.

What don't you understand? It's a nice gesture and a way to say thank you. If you don't want to contribute then don't.

I'm a nurse in a job where I see my patients regularly over a long period of time (anything from 6 months to 3+ years). Some patients bring a card and/or gift for our team to their last appointment, some don't. I never expect it but always appreciate it. I expect teachers feel the same so I wouldn't overthink it either way.

When did end of year gifts for the teacher become the norm?

It certainly didn't exist when I was at school - admittedly a long time ago.
My son is in his 30s and when he was at school one or two parents bought presents for the teachers but it was seen by most as a " currying favour" sort of thing. The children and most parents did say " thank you " to the tescher at the end of the year though.

I agree with you OP that the teacher is being paid to do their job. Gifts shouldnt be necessary. Surely the children being cooperative and hard working and well behaved in school during the school year would be more of a reward for the teacher than an end of year gift?

Teachers are not allowed to accept gifts at my school.

It is listed in our safeguarding policy. It can lead to bribery and corruption

I personally think this has got totally out of hand, what’s wrong with a home made card and a box of chocolates or something.

I know teachers get fed up with loads of mugs / candles etc but I personally feel that’s being unreasonable. If they’re going to complain about that then they don’t have anything.

before everyone jumps on me, yes I’ve been the one receiving said mugs and yes I didn’t know what todo with them all, but at the same time I wouldn’t have done anything differently. One year I got 12 boxes of chocolates 😂,

tbh the best end of year gift I received was when all the parents got together and throw me a “party”, everyone provided something, a group got together and set it up (headteacher helped with that ) it was at morning break, just soft drink a big celebration cake etc, I had a lovely time with all my class

You don't have to do or pay anything thing, but teachers are trusted with your children 6 hours a day 5 days a week etc showing a bit of appreciation surely is a nice thing to do?

Coming from the thread where teachers now have to change shitty pants, I think they deserve a medal.

I have mid 20s to 30 year old children there was always an end of year little something,so not a new thing personally I gave flowers .

Do they appreciate it, as it sounds very sticky and something someone would be more likely to give to someone they don't like, or resent for some reason???

I always thought the gift was from the child as a thank you/goodbye, because they can really like thier teacher and form a bond over the year.

Because (to me) its from the child, who has no money, I thought little tokens and homemade cards were the idea.

It does seem to be more like a tip from the parents now.

I have always (except one year) given gifts to my DS teachers who have all been hardworking, caring people who have done an excellent job. Some people get bonuses at their job. Teaching is hard, especially if you got high standards and want all children to advance academically and be happy in school. And no, I'm not a teacher but I have been a very involved parent always accompanying on outings/helping out in school when needed and I have seen how hard it is to deal with 30 children (plus some nasty parents) tbat I'm in admiration of their work.

I don't think she meant honey ON the cards...

I assume it was a typo for money 😂

A gift is nice but a tenner each surely too much. Two quid each would buy something nice from a big class.

“Bribery and corruption” 😂😂😂😂

My mum was a teacher from the mid 90s and I used to love Christmas and the end of the year because she used to come home with bags full of chocolate (and wine which I didn't appreciate til I was older). It's definitely been going on for a long time. It used to be the small boxes of chocolates or a small keyring, but there was always loads of stuff.

I think she mean honey and plenty of money wrapped up in a five pound note. Presumably her teacher travels by pea green boat.

We always collect for DC’s teacher. No set amount, people who want to contribute do and those who don’t, don’t. Couldn’t care less if people do or don’t. The money buys vouchers as a way of showing appreciation and thanks. It’s not rocket science, OP.

Either ignore the message or reply with 'thanks, but I'm making my own arrangements this year' - those arrangements are nobody else's business though, and could include not arranging anything if you don't feel the need.