The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Ring
'Tis the season for gift giving, and, for many parents, teachers rank high on Santa's "nice" list. The gifts parents give run the gamut from cheap mugs to expensive jewelry, but some schools view this annual tradition with concern, worried that teachers might reward a child whose parents have given a particularly generous present. To combat such potential problems, some schools have banned gifts outright, while others have established rules, including limits on how much parents may spend. Does your school have a gift-giving policy, or is it a freebie free-for-all? We want to know!
Does your school have policies regarding holiday gift giving?
Yes. Our school has established firm rules regarding gifts, which both parents and teachers follow.
5% (2 votes)
Somewhat. Though there are guidelines, parents and teachers do not strictly follow them, and there are no repercussions if someone breaks the rules.
18% (8 votes)
No. Parents are welcome to reward teachers however they see fit.
73% (32 votes)
None of the above. (Comment below.)
5% (2 votes)
Total votes: 44
response options a bit biased
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 1, 2008 - 13:40.
Wouldn’t the “no” response have been less biased if it had been worded similarly to the “yes” response.
No. Our school does not have established rules regarding gifts.
Holiday Gifts
Submitted by pb (not verified) on December 19, 2007 - 12:44.
I liked the days when I received homemade ornaments,pins or such from students. I have many still hanging on my tree from my years of teaching. I, as others have stated, really enjoy getting notes from parents so I can really know that my actions as their children's teacher makes a difference in their children's lives. I agree with another poster that the best a teacher can receive is a note or a letter from the student themselves. I have my stash of those from over the years and when I get to feeling like a fast food career might have been a better choice, I get those out and read them. They truly are the gift that keeps on giving and I will take those letters and cards over a "Spa Day" certificate (or the like) any day, hands down!
98% of our parents and
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 19, 2007 - 12:19.
98% of our parents and students are living in generational poverty. They look for us to give to the students. Few, if any, parents give gifts to faculty and or staff. Generally, we give to each other during the holidays.
gift giving at schools
Submitted by LCohen (not verified) on December 18, 2007 - 15:10.
I appreciate a well thought-out short thank you card from a parent much more than a gift. What's really great is getting a card from a student!
I really appreciate
Submitted by Kathy Thomas (not verified) on December 19, 2007 - 15:55.
I really appreciate receiving cards or gifts that a student has either made or purchased themselves. That means it is from their hearts and they did it because they like me. I'd prefer only receiving cards from parents
how sweet! i just read the
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 18, 2007 - 19:28.
how sweet!
i just read the letter my 7th grader wrote to her long term sub.
it was so heartfelt, and i told her that i am sure he will cherish that note for years to come!
of course he'll some cash from the parents, too!!
Post new comment