End of term gifts

[potterland31]

I'm a TA (male) and today was the end of the academic year and I was disheartened at not receiving a gift. I know I've worked hard but in general haven't felt appreciated this year. Some times an occasional "well done" doesn't seem a lot when we're paid so poorly. Seeing other TA's and teachers getting loads of gifts, knowing you've helped so many children has made me feel like I'm not important.

Ah this breaks my heart.

In my experience the last year (first year of school) the TAs have played the biggest role.

I'm sorry.

Meh, it just makes me think I won't bother much next year because 1. we never get paid a decent wage. 2. there's no respect, think I'm gonna start job hunting as this job is soul destroying and not worth it.

Oh no, I'm really sorry to hear this. I always make sure to get the TAs the same as the teachers, as I think you already have such a tough job and are so underappreciated

I'm just fed up, there's no appreciation, no extra pay, no incentives, so why should we go above and beyond. It was hard to mask the disappointment at being left out, it's a horrible feeling.

That’s awful and I’m so sorry to hear it. A male TA was the backbone of my eldest DS primary education. The gravitated to each other midway through reception and stayed close throughout. He always checked in on my DS and was truly wonderful. I’m sure you are the same to someone else. Gauge it on how the kids engage with you, not what the parents bought you - despite it being unfair. Enjoy your summer

Lots of hard working, and often poorly paid, people don't get or expect gifts tbh, however if parents are getting everyone except you gifts then that's not very kind.