NBR: Question for teachers out there

shamrockbaby512 · December 2011

Next week will be my last week of student teaching. I want to get something for the kids it is 1st grade so I was thinking like pencils, erasers, stickers, etc. And am planning on getting something for the teacher as well. I am just looking for ideas like should I get the teacher something for herself (i.e. gift card to get her nails done since I know she does this) or something for the classroom? Also any ideas on what to get the principal? Any was wondering should I get the kids little things like that or should I get or make something that would be more personal and they can keep it for a longer time.

Just wondering if any teachers have done anything like this when they were done student teaching or if you have had a student teacher and what they did for you and your class. Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

MrsOzzy2010 · December 2011

First of all, a BIG congrats on your last week of student teaching, that's a big deal! YAY for a teaching job in your near future hopefully Big Smile

As far as gifts, or gestures of appreciation for the support you've been given through the school you've been teaching at..... For the kids, I would do what you're thinking, make a little gift bag of sorts for the kids and just get the cheap packs of school supplies at the dollar tree or somewhere like that. For your mentor teacher, I would do something personal for her, a gift card for a pedicure or whatever would be great! She will be getting all kinds of teacher stuff that she probably doesn't really want from the kids for Christmas soon, so try to find something she would really like and enjoy! As fas as the principal is concerned, I'm not sure, but I know a handwritten card or note of appreciation would be a great thing to give to start!

I hope this helps!

Maelyn0129 · December 2011

MrsOzzy2010:
First of all, a BIG congrats on your last week of student teaching, that's a big deal! YAY for a teaching job in your near future hopefully

As far as gifts, or gestures of appreciation for the support you've been given through the school you've been teaching at..... For the kids, I would do what you're thinking, make a little gift bag of sorts for the kids and just get the cheap packs of school supplies at the dollar tree or somewhere like that. For your mentor teacher, I would do something personal for her, a gift card for a pedicure or whatever would be great! She will be getting all kinds of teacher stuff that she probably doesn't really want from the kids for Christmas soon, so try to find something she would really like and enjoy! As fas as the principal is concerned, I'm not sure, but I know a handwritten card or note of appreciation would be a great thing to give to start!

I hope this helps!

This! Yes Congrats! I remember that feeling of being done! Such an accomplishment and excitement for the future position!! But yes I agree with MrsOzzy

meeko1985 · December 2011

Yay! Congrats!

I would say cool pencils would be a great idea! I think I had a popcorn party on my last day, which was fun because I got to visit with all of the kids. As for teacher presents, does your teacher like coffee?? starbucks or caribou would be an awesome treat... as would chocolate, lol.

I didn't get my principal anything, as I didn't work with them daily. Everyones situation is different, but at the school I student taught at and at the school I am at now... itjust would be a little awkward.

tnywndy · December 2011

I agree with the other PP's. Starbucks or Target gift cards are always my favorite!

panda10 · December 2011

Pencils are great, a fun popcorn party is a great idea too! I would just write a nice thank-you note to the principal and to any other teachers, VP's, that you worked with. They're sure to remember you better if you send a nice note.

shamrockbaby512 · December 2011

Thanks ladies! I haven't had much to do with the principal either so I was really curious as to whether or not I should get her something or if a simple hand written thank you would be good enough. My teacher doesn't drink coffee (that I have seen because she never has it at school).

And thanks for all the congrats! I graduate the 17th with my Masters So extremely excited about that! Thanks again for all the suggestions!

fyziksgirl · December 2011

Congratulations! I have a year until I *start* my student teaching, so I'm jealously happy for you :-D Obviously have no experienced advice to add, but from knowing people in the schools I'd say a not-for-the-classroom gift would be most appreciated for the teacher, as teachers tend to be innundated with classroom gifts. A pedicure sounds perfect! And for kids, they're probably not going to treasure anything for a long time...they're in first grade. Shiny pencils will win their hearts! :-)

JLMB2008 · December 2011

MrsOzzy2010:
First of all, a BIG congrats on your last week of student teaching, that's a big deal! YAY for a teaching job in your near future hopefully

As far as gifts, or gestures of appreciation for the support you've been given through the school you've been teaching at..... For the kids, I would do what you're thinking, make a little gift bag of sorts for the kids and just get the cheap packs of school supplies at the dollar tree or somewhere like that. For your mentor teacher, I would do something personal for her, a gift card for a pedicure or whatever would be great! She will be getting all kinds of teacher stuff that she probably doesn't really want from the kids for Christmas soon, so try to find something she would really like and enjoy! As fas as the principal is concerned, I'm not sure, but I know a handwritten card or note of appreciation would be a great thing to give to start!

I hope this helps!

This exactly! Depending on how much time you have Oriental Trading has lots o cute and cheap stuff to make the goodie bags for the kids. Pencils, tiny activity books, erasers, etc. As far as the Principal I think a handwritten note would be good. Nothing too over the top for her. For your teacher a giftcard and another handwritten note would be perfect! Congrats!

EmilyP103 · December 2011

I would go to the Target dollar spot or a dollar store to pick up some goodies for the kids. Make a little goodie bag for the "first grade smarties" with a pack of smarties, a pencil, and a bookmark!

As for the teacher, I agree that you should get her something for HER! Maybe a gift card to a local salon or restaurant (depending on what she likes to do).

Congrats on being almost done, that's so exciting!

Middlesnpoddles · December 2011

Here's what I did in my student teaching (I did this for 4th and 2nd grade):

For the Kids: plastic treat bags at walmart- filled them with 1 lead pencil, a few erasers, some candy and suckers and some stickers.. they LOVED them

For the teacher: A 20$ gift card to the school box and a really nice card with a long thank you note written inside

For the principal: A really nice card with a long thank you note written inside

Middlesnpoddles · December 2011

Also, congrats!! You are awesome!

j_la83 · December 2011

MrsOzzy2010:

First of all, a BIG congrats on your last week of student teaching, that's a big deal! YAY for a teaching job in your near future hopefully

As far as gifts, or gestures of appreciation for the support you've been given through the school you've been teaching at..... For the kids, I would do what you're thinking, make a little gift bag of sorts for the kids and just get the cheap packs of school supplies at the dollar tree or somewhere like that. For your mentor teacher, I would do something personal for her, a gift card for a pedicure or whatever would be great! She will be getting all kinds of teacher stuff that she probably doesn't really want from the kids for Christmas soon, so try to find something she would really like and enjoy! As fas as the principal is concerned, I'm not sure, but I know a handwritten card or note of appreciation would be a great thing to give to start!

I hope this helps!

This!! Congratulations! It's such a good feeling to be done!