| Teacher Gift Policies |
| posted by: Garry | December 12, 2013, 08:40 PM |
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On December 19th, the Arlington School Board will vote on a policy limiting the amount parents can spend on teacher gifts to $100 over the course of the entire school year. While the policy wouldn't include homemade gifts such as cookies, combined gifts from multiple parents, funds given to teachers to buy classroom supplies, funds for professional development and Teacher of the Year or other awards, it will limit the amount individual parents can give to teachers. In Massachusetts, a recent law dictates, “a public employee may not accept any gift worth $50 or more that is given because of the position he or she holds.” No gift over the amount, regardless of circumstances, is acceptable. Some schools choose to pull resources in an effort to give all teachers a fair gift. A charter school in Atlanta recently sent a note home to parents, soliciting donations for teacher gifts, but firmly stated that their “policy prohibits teachers from accepting gifts of anything other than nominal value, so this is your chance to give! Act now and cross it off your “To-Do” list!” While the idea of prohibiting gifts in order to discourage bribes or special treatment is reasonable, are these policies robbing students and families the joy of holiday giving? One teacher said, “The first year [of teaching] a 6th grader gave me a fabric dainty hankie. Why do I remember it? Because this child was poor and that gift came from the heart.” Another teacher explained, “I taught high school for 14 years and I can honestly say that the best gifts were the notes at the end of the year. I have kept every card and note I got. 95% of the other stuff, I have forgotten.” Teachers, when it comes to gifts, what do you prefer receiving? Do you exchange gifts with colleagues? If so, do you have to keep school policies in mind?
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