Is is appropriate to tip my child's teacher. He has gone above and beyond the normal duties to help my child.

Question

My child is in Special Education, and his teacher has been very helpful to him and our family in sorting out the whole process / legal issues surrounding it. He has even disagreed / argued with the district people in order to get the best services for my child.

Answer 1

You are kidding!  And he didn't get fired!!  Usually when teachers do this, they get fired because the administrators don't want them to do the very job they get paid for.

I don't know what you mean by 'tip' but I would definately do something for him. What use to be normal for helping a child is not the norm now. I promise you he put his job on the line.

My dd's teacher would not help her and actually went against me when the ones above her told her to. When I finally took my dd out to do homeschool she told me 'I am so sorry, the administrators just wouldnt' let me help your child'.

I guess she needed to feed her family more than to do the job she is paid to do.

Answer 2

Nice to hear, but your child's teacher could lose their teaching license if they accepted money from you.  A letter, as mentioned by others, is something they will treasure forever.  Send a copy of it to their principal, the director of special education for your district and the superintendent of the district.  If you want to give him something as well, teachers are allowed to accept gifts from their students with a value determined by the school district - give them a call and find out what the maximum is - and put it on a gift card.

You have a treasure in this teacher!!

Answer 3

Long before autism was a curse and even diagnosable I had many many special teachers and tutors in my life, many I met after school in their homes or sometimes they would work with me in the hall etc. This was the late 1960s and 1970s. Of Course at the time I did not appreciate their kindness and help but I do today.  

I'm 40 ish now and 10 years or so ago I made an effort to look up all my old teachers and tutors to say thank you and sadly two had passed on before I got to say thanks. Still there was not a dry eye to seen as we met again or a return thank you letter if we didn't meet in person.  

Mrs "S" had wondered about me for years and she burst into tears when seen me when I drove up her farm house lane. that last time she seen me was in 1970 and I was nearly a year behind in math and at the low point in my autism social skill- she thought I had no hope.  We chatted and caught up and we agreed IF I had been Diagnosed then I'd lost all my chances of success.  She Said she would have even given up If I were labeled Autistic.  

My hat is off to everyone going the extra mile to help. Please don't give up on us and hopefully some day you will get a visit from a former student that made it.  Sincerely Rich

Answer 4

Please don't tip -  that gives the appearance of paying the teacher for the extra help and could cause ethical questions.  But do write a letter to the principal or school superintendent and let them know how much you appreciate the support and assistance you have received from this teacher.  A small gift, like other students bring the teacher, would be appropriate, like a plate of cookies, a mug, a gift card for a coffee place or a box of candy...you get my drift.  I am glad you have such a special person helping you and your child.  It makes such a difference!

Answer 5

I would definitely thank the teacher in person with a really heart felt thank you.

I would also offer to volunteer or purchase something for the classroom.

At Christmas time, definitely a gift certificate maybe the Visa one or something that can be used anywhere.

Answer 6

I'm glad your child has a great special education teacher!  The process and legality of special education can be overwhelming and I believe it is our jobs, as special education teachers to 'guide' the parents through the process.  I think a letter to the teacher and/or the supervisor would be a great way to thank the teacher.

Answer 7

Ofcourse you have to do that. Teachers play vital role in a child's career

Answer 8

I think you should DEF. call their superior because it will make their life MUCH easier and happy at work.

Also, I think you should help your child make him a card or some kind of 'thank you' craft item. That would probably mean the most!

Answer 9

No, it is not appropriate to tip a teacher. In fact, it is illegal for a teacher to accept gratuities. A letter of appreciation commending him or her on their exceptional dedication to teaching would be most appreciated and treasured forever.

Answer 10

This teacher is also a special person and enjoys watching your child progress.

NO-do not "tip"-- just praise her to others and always give her a "pat on the back"

Answer 11

Wow that great there are still teacher out there my old RSP teacher was like that.

Get him a coffe mug yeah that a cool one.

Answer 12

more appropriate would be a card of gratitude expressing your thoughts.

Answer 13

It is so refreshing and uplifting to read about a teacher who is honestly doing their job and cares about the children they are teaching! I have also come across a few teachers and aides during my son's schooling years and what I did is buy them a nice gift. If you don't know the teacher well enough to know what they would like, a gift certificate for a nice restaurant is always a welcomed choise :-)

Answer 14

Congratulations on having such a great teacher!  I would not offer a tip.  It would be nice to give him a gift or a gift certificate for coffee or a restaurant.  Also, write a letter to him and his superiors praising him.