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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Are you buying a gift?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There are several signs the school year is almost over. There’s warmer weather. There’s the release of some test scores. And there are emails from parents asking if they need to buy a gift for their child’s teachers.
I’ve had many teachers tell me they don’t expect presents. When the wrapped gifts and shiny bags arrive, teachers say they think of the items as polite gestures. Many list homemade knickknacks or hand-written cards from students as their favorite gifts.
But I’ve also visited schools where PTA leaders put together lists of teachers’ favorite colors, foods and places to shop. I’ve heard of parents who ask other parents to give $50 a year to buy presents for teachers. Teachers told me about receiving cashmere scarves and other extravagant gifts.
Does it make sense to buy presents for the teacher? If, so what’s the appropriate gift?
