End Year Gift for a FANTASTIC Teacher...

I always take a photo of my kid and his teacher, end of the year I print a card with the photo stating " thanks for making a difference in my life" and also add few lines from me as parent... I gift this card along with gift card or some gift

Updated

I always take a photo of my kid and his teacher, end of the year I print a card with the photo stating " thanks for making a difference in my life" and also add few lines from me as parent... I gift this card along with gift card or some gift

Thanks for sharing this, T.. We see so many posts on this forum about problems with teachers. It's so heartening to read a post like this.

Yes, a heartfelt letter of appreciation to the teacher and to the superintendent are great.

Do go with a gift card, maybe a prepaid Visa so she could decide if she wants to use it for supplies for next year or a pedicure or a meal out with her friends or family.

It sounds, too, like you are making very real contributions to your son's classroom. That is so awesome of you and it *does* make a difference!

A great letter to the principal and the super are one of the best things you can do. So many times teachers are blamed for poor performance that might not be their fault. A letter will go in their permanent file and travel with them through their career. I truly believe in feed back good and bad. Too often people "forget" or don't give credit where credit is deserved. I would be willing to review your letter before you send it to make sure it is factual with out emotion -it goes over better.

For a monetary gift. A gift card is great.

It is nice to see people being touched with great teachers.

I love the letter to the principal. Or super. A gift card is great. Having ds write out a simple little poem like. Mrs so an so. You are 2 good to be 4 gotten. Or. 22 students, 180 days, 1 great teacher = the best year ever or something like that and have him write it on nice pretty paper and put it in a nnice frame.
I also like personalized organizing totes from the company thirty one.

I would definitely write that letter to the school's Superintendent... When you have a great teacher like that, it's always worth the time and effort to sing their praises. (Once you send the letter, I would give the teacher a copy for her own personal file)
As for a gift.. The card sounds nice..Just make sure you know it's for a store she really enjoys. IF not, a gift basket made up of wonderful things.. I have done theme baskets in the past such as Italian, baking, etc..
More than anything, that letter will speak volumes..

Have her fill out a favorites list - all her favorite things, like store, candy bar, drink at Starbucks, sports team, restaurant, books, music, way to relax, wine etc etc. That way you'll be able to get her something she'll really like.

If you want to keep it a secret or surprise, just tell her you are doing a special game or project with the kids at the end of the year and you need to know the answers ahead of time.

What about a beautiful basket to show your appreciation. All purchases from LaBella Baskets directly contribute to the La Bella Baskets of Smiles Program that each month delivers Spa and Bath baskets to single Moms to support and uplift them. www.patriciacasper.labellabaskets.com

Updated

I would write to the Superintendent's office and carbon copy the Principal for sure. How about a Thank You basket. wwwpatriciacasper.labellabaskets.com
This is not too personal and they have a company program that supports single Moms.

Don't forget teacher appreciation week! I think it is in May.

I would probably do everything you mentioned and then do a gift card to somewher she would like as well.

For my daughter's teacher I was going to try to make a quilt panel in school colors. I'm hoping she'll display it and always remember my daughter.

I agree with the gift card. I plan on doing the same for my sons teacher who also goes above and beyond for my son. Don't teachers Rock! Just wondering though what standardize testing are they taking in 1st grade in your district? I thought FCAT didn't start til like 3rd grade?

Gift cards are always great, though a little impersonal. I would suggest giving her something on top of the gift card, since she seems like such a wonderful teacher. Perhaps your son could make something for her - those presents always mean a lot to a teacher because it shows that they are appreciated not just by the parent, but by the child as well. That way she gets the best of both worlds as well - something personal and touching, and a nice gift card so she can treat herself to something as well.

All that and a Target GC.

I feel the same way about my daughter's kindergarten teacher this year. I actually fear the bar has been set too high for the rest of her elementary years. I've worked K-8 for 10 years now and seen a large variety of teachers... So I know a good thing when we've got it...

Anyway, ditto on the gift card. As an educator myself an amazon gift card is always great. We don't all drink coffee. But more importantly write a really heartfelt thank you. And have your son write a really heartfelt thank you, including all the things he likes about her.

Depending on what size your district is, you could send a letter or email to the superintendent. But probably more appropriate would be the principal. Even in my tiny district there is a separate asst. Superintendent for Human Resources that does the hiring and keeps personnel files. The superintendent is kind of remote and only fries the big fish if you know what I mean. A teacher reports directly to his/her principal and that is probably where your praise will be appreciated most.

I think a gift card is best because then she can get something she really wants and likes. Maybe get one of the ones that is basically like cash and can be used anywhere (Mastercard, AmEx, etc). Spend more on it than you normally would if you want it to be nicer and include a really nice note.