On the subject of gifts for the teacher...

[PrimarySchoolTeacher]

So, twice every year we read the threads on here about whether we should or should not buy a gift for the teacher. It is their job, they get paid etc. etc.

As a primary school teacher I get some nice gifts, without doubt.

However, what I never see mentioned is anything about how much said primary school teacher has spent on their class. Just about every teacher I know gives each child in their class a gift at Christmas time and at the end of the school year. This is often around £1 per child, so an average spend of about £30 each time. Many of us also buy pencils, glue sticks etc when the school supply runs out, and many little 'extras' for activities we would like the children to do. Our choice of course - no one makes us.

I'm not at all trying to justify the gifts I get - I just wanted to raise awareness of the above fact.

My ds has not had a gift from Nursery or Reception for either xmas or summer break up. We'll see if Y1 breaks the rule. I doubt it. I would never have expected it, if you hadn't mentioned it! I still like to buy a present though as teachers are underpaid and often under a lot of pressure.

Since you asked.. I don't like my kids getting gifts from the teachers unless maybe it's teacher's own birthday & they're only handing out sweets/cake. It feels all wrong, especially if it's anything they could have spent that much ££ on.
One of DD's teacher gave everyone a home-made laminated bookmark at end of the year; it was a lovely thought but I doubt DD ever used it!

Thank you Primary. I didn't realise this. You are lovely and generous.

Secondary teachers buy loads too. But don't usually get presents for it.

Is this a bleak humour sitcom plan?

Oh shit sorry, wrong thread!

Sorry to sound righteous but do you have to declare the value of your gift for tax purposes? When I worked in private industry we were strictly forbidden from accepting gifts.

Can you honestly say that you do not 'judge' children (or their parents )who do not give you gifts?

I personally believe that it is not appropriate to give presents to teachers and my child has never wanted to anyway - I do write a hand written, personal letter to teachers to thank them but I wouldn't dream of buying a present, nor have I been in the situation where a class present is suggested (thank goodness). I am happy to give of my time, reading, helping with outings, endless PTA stuff (I'm in my 4th PTA !!) etc etc.

Declare the value of a few boxes of Roses and some scented candles? You serious ragwort?

Hi Primary - just posted on chat about TA gift dilemma. Like you, I spend approx £1 per child at Xmas and at the end of the year - not to mention dip in the box etc. I am sure most teachers do. Do we begrudge it? Not at all, or we wouldn't do it. I spend so much time with my class they feel, at times, like my own. If they work hard and try their best then I personally like rewarding them.
It always amazes me when parents post asking if they are judged for not giving gifts. Well,and I only speak for myself here, if I judged some of my children by their parents ( not talking gifts here - serious stuff) then I wouldn't/couldn't do my job... nor would I want to.

My daughter has had a lovely teacher this year and we have hand made her and the TA's gifts. It isn't about extravagance and getting them something it is just a token to show that their hard work doesn't go un noticed. We also made Xmas tree decorations for them at Christmas. (the bin men got them too :) )

clam - no, obviously not the chocolates and small gifts but I am talking about the type of 'class gift' where every one is expected to put in a fiver (or more) so the value could easily be around at least £150.

Even £150 isn't going to push many teachers over the tax threshold for higher earners!

I don't buy presents for the kids. Never have.

Haven't you Panzee? By no means a criticism. Are you Primary?

I am Primary.

I am sure you'll have to personally fork out for loads of other shizzle though?

Some books but I make sure my name is in them! Not much really. I used to but then realised that the school has no way of knowing how much money it needs if we are constantly buying our own stuff.

Panzee - that is such a good point. After 12 years in this school it is no wonder I cannot afford a loft conversion! Come September I will exercise more thrift. Almost every book on the class shelf had been bought by me - will name them all tomorrow.

Likewise, Panzee. I really don't think it's in my remit to buy presents for each child in the class.... ever. In another thread (around Christmas) I was castigated for admitting that!

I do, however, buy glue sticks, books and card, and all sorts of other necessary equipment as and when we need it (over and above our class allowance from the school budget)!

Another secondary school teacher who spends money on stuff but receives fuck-all presents in return.

All these parents who handwrite nice notes at primary seem to have got out of the habit come GCSE time, despite many hours put in in free revision classes.

"Another secondary school teacher who spends money on stuff but receives fuck-all presents in return."
With that attitude I don't think you deserve anything. In my profession (working with Jo Public) we frequently do things without being paid and do in fact often receive thank you notes small gifts etc but not one of us expects it and certainly don't moan if we don't receive anything.

I don't actually want any presents. But a thread by a primary school teacher that suggested that perhaps they deserve presents because they spend money on their pupils by linking the two in one post was a bit much.

dd has had lovely laminated place mat with photos of her class at various events through the school year, from her Y2 teacher last year. It was her NQT year, I wonder if she'll carry on with that or not

Anyway, it was so generous (with time more than money) and the kids loved them. Parents loved it too, a souvenir of their child's year.

Others haven't given anything, though at Xmas the School and PTA make sure there is a gift (book) for each child - teachers used to pay for them, but now don't so frequently kids get given a pencil, or card, or something personal from their teacher too.

I wouldn't ever expect it, though. Its an individual, personal thing.

As for giving presents to teachers, my kids love doing it - along with cards and letters - my feeling is its not about the teachers (who really don't need endless mini gifts!), as much as about the kids expressing their feelings. Whether its a card or a gift, no matter.

I'm a bit strapped for cash, but have been thinking of making a present for my DS's teacher. He leaves Reception now, and his teacher AND the TA have been absolutely amazing.
Houseworkprocrastinator - what did you make?