What teachers REALLY want

rebeca  Thursday, December 10, 2009

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How would you feel if your boss gave you a Reindeer mug full of starlight mints or a bottle of heavily-scented lotion for Christmas? Exactly, that’s what I thought! Unfortunately, more often than not, these are the types of gifts parents give their kids’ teachers and childcare providers. I know this because my mother has been a pre-school teacher for years, and every Christmas she brings home a box full of these unwanted tokens.

Don’t get me wrong, she always appreciates being recognized, and sure, it’s nice that she gets presents at all. But, wouldn’t it be better if teachers actually got something they could use? You’ll be surprised when I tell you how easy and inexpensive it can be to make a teacher happy this Christmas.

What teachers want:

Recognition. While surveying teachers from across the country, I’ve learned that an overwhelming majority would be happy with a simple letter of appreciation. A thoughtful note lets a teacher know that you recognize the work they’re doing and the difference they’re making in your child’s life. A pat on the back keeps a teacher going when things get rough, and often provides enough motivation to help them do even more for their students. (For an added bonus, wrap it in a hand-made card and send a copy to the school director or principal.)

Classroom Supplies. Because teachers often spend a lot of their own money on classroom supplies, a great holiday gift would be one that lessens that financial burden. Plus, any gift that stays in the classroom will certainly make your child feel special each time it’s used. Some suggestions include:

• Expo Dry Erase Markers and Erasers
• Alcholol-free Hand Cleaner, such as Germ-X Advanced Protection Hand Sanitizer
• Antibacterial hand wipes, such as Wet Ones
• tissues
• age-appropriate books
• blank greeting cards
• pens, pencils, colored pencils and markers
• learning games and board games for indoor recess
• puzzles
• and gift cards to book stores, discount retailers and teacher supply stores.

Personal Gifts. Just like the rest of us, teachers are especially moved when they receive a gift that shows the child (or parent) has taken them time to get to know him. Dave Gertler, a middle school teacher of more than nine years, says his favorite gift was a hand-decorated mug adorned with many of his customary phrases and a caricature of himself.

Gift Cards. Gift cards are definitely a fail safe, but that doesn’t get you off the hook for using your head. With a little effort, you and your child can make a nice homemade card or other piece of artwork that a teacher will certainly appreciate. Even better, pair a gift card with a nice note of appreciation.

Homemade Goodies or Gifts. Teachers are somewhat divided when it comes to receiving cookies and candy–mostly due to health and diet concerns. But, for those who welcome treats, it means more if they know the child played a part in making them (provided the child isn’t a nose picker). The same can be said for other home-made gifts.

Charitable Donations. This can be a good option for middle school and high school teachers because buying an individual gift for so many teachers can get expensive fast. Call the school office and see if they have a meal fund or other charitable arm you can give to. OfficeMax recommends giving donations to local teachers through AdoptAClassroom.org, where teachers can apply funds to their individual classroom needs. DonorsChoose.org is another online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.

Of course teachers are appreciative for any gift they receive. They understand that young families are overextended and often don’t have much money, so they’re touched whenever a family chooses to recognize them. That being said, there are still some items they’d rather not get.

What teachers don’t want:

• mugs
• candy
• candles
• lotion
• #1 teacher anything
• interior home decorations
• figurines and miscellaneous chotchkies
• anything with an apple on it
• and, of course, fruit cake

If you’ve been guilty of giving one of these gifts, don’t feel too bad. Over the years teachers have received a very amusing collection of gifts. According to a survey Office Max conducted among teachers last year, the list includes used clothing, undergarments, half-filled bottles of perfume, half-eaten candy, live animals, insects and game meat.

Win It:

To help celebrate a special teacher this holiday, I’ve put together a nice little package that will certainly make a wonderful gift. Click here for a chance at winning.