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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Teacher Gifts & Advice Needed

Teachers are some of the most generous, thoughtful people I know!

Take my sweet friend Corrina. Erika and I designed her blog. She was sneaky and asked each of us for the others mailing address to send a surprise thank you. It was so sweet and it was perfect!


It came in a red, white, and black box (see it in the picture) and was wrapped in red bubble wrap or red and black tissue paper. See the frame and saying - I have been looking for a frame like that! It was like she was inside my head and new exactly what I wanted. Right down to the wrapping paper.

I love it!! I took a lovely bath with the cucumber kit and got rid of my black eyes. I am now ready for school tomorrow!

When I was out yesterday... my mentor (Hi Kathy!!) talked about a secret surprise she got for someone. I have heard about bloggers getting gifts for their teams. I have heard about gifts and blogger meet ups. Frankly.. I need some help!!

I come from the business world. We do not believe in gifts. We believe in making money. Since gift cost money yea... they don't happen.

So what is the proper etiquette on gift-giving in teacher land?

Does one give gifts at the beginning of the year to their team? Is it expected or just a nice little extra? Should I buy gifts for my mentors along with a gift card? Do I give a gift to my principal to? The secretary? My child's teacher to start off the year? Do I bring a "thank you for choosing me to be your student teacher" gift when I go in on Monday?

Being the poor out-of-work grad student that I am this seems extravagant but I am one who loves to give to others and getting so much lately makes me want to give more! But the question is if I do give something, how do I know what to give? What is the appropriate price range? What are some ideas of things to give? 

OH! And what does one wear to put together a classroom? Jeans, t-shirt, and tennis shoes? Somehow I cannot see dress clothes as appropriate then again I am on campus. 

HEEELLLLPPP!!!

Labels:

posted by Think, Wonder, and Teach @ 5:26 PM   12 Comments

12 Comments:

At August 1, 2012 at 5:53 PM , Blogger Kari Lockwood said...

okay - most importantly, DO NOT spend money that you cannot afford to spend. The gifts are a nice "extra", but certainly not expected. I did not give any gifts when I began student teaching, and I just gave my mentor a card when I finished. Then, once I became a mentor, I gave each of my student teachers gifts when they finished (and each of them gave me a card - 2 of them gave me a small gift (gift card for books, Sonic gift card to get tea, since I don't drink coffee) - and as a team leader, I usually gave small gifts to each of my team members at the beginning and end of the year, and on their birthdays. Just little things, like a pencil caddy with "Mrs.____" on it, or a planner filled in with important dates (Open House, picture day, etc...) filled in. Again, this was my choice, and many others did not give gifts. It is just something I liked to do and could afford (at that time) :)

 
At August 1, 2012 at 6:03 PM , Blogger Debbie said...

I was just in your postion last year...first off,,,,in our district...teachers are NOT allowed to receive gifts in excess of $20 ...so giving your child's teacher a gift at any time you need to keep this in mind....I generally did not give my son's teacher or my mentor teacher anything in the beginning of the year. I had given my mentor teacher a small gift near the end of my term but generally not the norm...(her coffee pot was broken so I brought her one)....I did buy something for the class to remember me....the kids had favorite books that I read to them...so I brought a few in the series and wrote a note in the book for the class and signed it....I showed them the books and passed them around....they were then placed in a book basket in the library.
But I wouldn't worry about it until the end of the term....and if you don't have money...don't worry about it....even a small plant for the kids can work...you can regift from a plant at home if necessary!
When I went in to work in the classroom I wore nice capris and a nice shirt....something that you won't mind if a student were to drop by and is professional.
Good Luck!
Debbie
Good Luck.

 
At August 1, 2012 at 6:13 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

First, congratulations on starting your student teaching. I don't think I gave my mentor teacher a gift either, but I was also going through a personal situation at that time. I student taught with a 3rd grade class at a school I had worked in as an educational assistant. So I knew the feel of the school and what to expect. My advice is to play it safe the first day. Wear some capris and a casual top. Most importantly wear comfortable shoes, but maybe not flip flops. Each school has their own feel for dress code. I usually wear long shorts and a cute top with sandals. It is still 100 degrees outside in Tucson, so everyone understands. Plus our classrooms are totally filthy despite the custodians cleaning the rooms this summer. After your first day, you will know how to dress by observing the teachers around you. Don't be shy about asking your mentor teacher about the school's dress code. I do give my co-teachers something small to start the year and end the year. I don't spend a lot of money and usually it is something crafty I saw on Pinterest. A great gift would be to get a clipboard and do the duct tape or scrapbook paper design on it. Then add the teacher's name at the bottom and a ribbon at the top. Also, twitter is your best resource for instant help from your PLN. I recommend joining Lisa Dabbs @teachingwithsoul on Twitter. She is an amazing mentor and runs the #ntchat for new teachers. Best wishes to you. Remember to relax and be yourself. I have been following your blog for a while and I know you will be great!

 
At August 1, 2012 at 6:24 PM , Blogger Kerri Buckner said...

I was listening to the radio tonight and they were talking about appreciating teachers. The radio station had certificates of appreciation you could print off to give your child's teacher. It got me thinking. A note at the beginning of the year or a few weeks in showing appreciation would be a great "gift" to give your child's teacher. I think I gave my mentoring teacher a gift when I finished my year with her but not before.
Ms. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten

 
At August 1, 2012 at 6:52 PM , Blogger 5th Grade Rocks, 5th Grade Rules said...

No gifts. I have had 6 student teachers and none have brought me a gift at the beginning of the year. I wouldn't know what to do if they did! End, yes...beginning, no. :) My two cents.

~Mimi
5thGradeRocks5thGradeRules

 
At August 1, 2012 at 7:11 PM , Blogger Miss Nelson said...

No gifts! If any maybe get something of your child's teacher's wishlist but none for mentor teacher or other staff. I wear jeans and a t-shirt when rearranging my room. Something comfy.
Michele

 
At August 1, 2012 at 7:58 PM , Blogger Rikki said...

I saw that you won the erin condren giveaway. You lucky girl!!
ஐRikki
The Hive

 
At August 2, 2012 at 6:06 AM , Blogger Melissa said...

If you really want to get a gift, make some yummies! I make cookies or pizza bread, something fun and inexpensive. Who doesn't love to eat?
The only beginning of the year gift I've ever given is when I was the mentor for a new teacher to get her started and through her first day. As a student teacher, I wouldn't do anything until the end as a thank you for all of their help.
And I would wear something comfy to work in the classroom. Talk to your mentor to check, but most teacher workdays I'm in a t-shirt and shorts (maybe jeans if the building is cold).

The Dalton Gang

 
At August 2, 2012 at 8:02 AM , Blogger Amy said...

I nominated your blog for an award! Visit my blog to accept it :)
~Amy
Sixth Grade Sparkle

 
At August 2, 2012 at 7:14 PM , Blogger Shannon said...

No gifts. "You" are the gift! :)

Wear something COMFORTABLE!

Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com

 
At August 11, 2012 at 12:57 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

I think that your collection of gifts are superb and advice was interesting but i need some more collection for Send gifts to Pakistan to my teacher?

 
At August 13, 2012 at 7:23 AM , Blogger Jo Jo said...

There is no time to waste in life and there is no cut and paste as well, only copy and paste – you can only emulate others Send Gifts to Pakistan | Eid Gifts to Pakistan

 

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