To give or not to give

As the end of the year approaches, many students like to purchase a small gift for their teacher. These are almost always elementary students but sometimes high school students. They are almost never Jr. High teachers.

My sister teachers Jr. High in the city and is a good teacher, actively involved in taking her kids to the Lego Robotics competition, which her kids won this year. Her husband teaches grade 5 in Sherwood Park and is also a good teacher, involved with the kids. However at the end of the year, he is showered with gifts and she is lucky to get even one. This is something that makes her sulk every year, even though she knows its coming.

It is not the money. Teachers are well paid for their jobs and do not expect parents to pay for gifts. Like all presents, it is the tokens from the heart that mean the most. The hand written note from the parent saying thanks, with a hand drawn picture. These are the treasures that the teacher will tuck away and bring out on a bad day to brighten their mood.

A small flower or plant they can put in their yard is also a nice gift. A jar of home made jelly or preserves are always appreciated as teachers rarely have time to make their own.

A small token of thanks can make a teacher feel good in a profession in which it is easy to feel unappreciated but stick with the kis (keep it simple) principle. And please don't forget the Jr. High teachers :).