Best Teacher Gift of All

Dear Parent:

As we approach the end of another school year, I would like to give you some advice toward the ever-present problem of what to get for your kid's teacher. My qualifications are that I live on both sides of the fence. I am a teacher, and I am a Mom. I have given gifts to my son's teachers and I have received many many teacher gifts. To be honest, I have even re gifted some of my teacher gifts to my son's teachers. I suspect one day they will come back around, like that quintessential fruitcake at Christmas. But I digress.

I enjoy getting teacher gifts. I love carrying tons of gift bags to my car at Christmas and on "teacher appreciation" week. Once I had to make two trips. That. was. awesome!!!!! And I might add that it really doesn't matter what I get. I say that with complete sincerity. It really is the thought that counts.

My love of the teacher gift far exceeds my general selfishness and love of material goods. To me, a teacher gift is a big ole pat on the back. A visible sign that my hard work is noticed. A little demonstration that I am more to you than a warm body that keeps your kid from getting hurt. It shows me that you think of me as a person. A person deserving of joy.

Teaching really is a work of heart. I have to love and pay attention to your kid even if I don't feel like it. Even when they are whiny, smelly, and covered with snot. I cannot walk into another room and let them play quietly until they call needing another cup of juice. There is no TV in my classroom. My job is to actively engage with your child, and all the others in my classroom, without fail. You complain on Monday about how your one kid drove you batty all weekend and how glad you are to get to work and away from them. But you had only one (or two, maybe three) kids whereas I daily deal with many many more. My favorite comment? When, after hosting a birthday party, moms bless me for what I do and ask how I do it every day. I permit myself an evil laugh then, but inwardly.

So what is it I would like from you? I would like you to appreciate your kid. I would like you to spend your day off with your child, instead of bringing him to me saying you need to "get stuff done at home." You can lie to me (and him) about how much more happy he is to be at daycare....about how he demanded to come...but I see him weepy-eyed and asking when you are coming back. Yeah, your big tough guy pre-kindergartner, the boy who won't cry when he falls and wants to be a football player, cries for you. But don't worry. I offer myself as a second runner-up. I hug him and make excuses for you. But I will let you in on a little secret...when I am loving on your child who longs for you, I resent the heck outta you and wish your Grinch sized heart would grow.

Don't get me wrong...I love your child. I celebrate his accomplishments and feel his pain. I want him to be happy, healthy, and feel cherished. I would take a bullet to protect him. But you need to remember that being here in your child's classroom is my job. I do it for the money. I leave the boy who calls me mommy so I can be with boys and girls who call me teacher. I want you to appreciate that sacrifice. I want you to realize I spend more awake time during the week with your child than you do. I hope you hate that fact. I hope you are desperate to get to your child at the end of a day. I hope you are thankful that his body is intact, that his mind has taken in new things, and that his heart is not broken. (And, you are welcome)

I don't think a stupid Yankee candle is too much to ask. Or a thoughtful card. Heck, even a hearty hug and a whispered thank you would fill me with joy. Because appreciation is the greatest teacher gift of all.