When did it become the norm to reward someone for simply doing their job?

I agree! If a teacher has gone beyond the call of duty to support and encourage your child, then a card and/or a small gift is ok. But it really is ridiculous what a huge market this end of year nonsense has become - and check out the mums trying to outdo each other! A simple "thank you" should be enough.

The parents are probably hoping that when the grades come around, the teacher will remember the cards/gifts & grade their child accordingly.

Well that's one benefit these parents are probably looking for, that & out doing other parents with ever more elaborate cards/gifts.

I think it's a wonderful idea to reward a professional when they're doing a good job but these parents sound like they've over doing the gesture.

For most of an average sun-lit day, teachers stand 'in loco parentis'.

With all the burden of 20% or more failures - kids not up to scratch - perhaps because their real parents show little appreciation of the value of education - little encouragement to advance themselves.

But what is wrong or 'gullible' - if caring parents encourage their children to show some small token of 'thanks' ?

Appreciation - of a hard job well done ?

We're not talking of Bankers' Bonuses - just a token of appreciation.

Which is surely no bad thing ?

It's not the parents wanting to give, it's the children. Many primary children get very attached to their teacher, and really don't like leaving them behind in the next year. So it usually the kids badgering the parents to get something.

It isn't the norm, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. It really depends on the teacher. If you think that one teacher is much the same as the next, then you're wrong.

I think its just a nice gesture.

Those teachers may be doing a job but they have to put up with those brats while the parents get a break.

I take your point but It is really only a small thank you just as you may tip a waiter or taxi driver.

I think a more disgusting point is the way Bankers etc. receive the obscene bonuses that they get for doing little more than they are already getting highly paid for.

In fact we have seen lately that even when they do not perform well they still get thier bonuses.

My parents never gave any of my teachers presents.But when I was in hospital a lot as a child they'd always buy the nurses a present.

I can imagine what my mum would have said in the 60's if I had asked for a pressie for teacher! i used to give my son's teachers a small gift except one old b*tch, She was lucky i didn't smack her one. The supercilious cow hated my youngest and he hated her. Got her back by reporting her for being discriminating towards Gypsies.

on my last day i got loads of cards and pressies and some text messages from students

just a cheap plant or a bunch of lovely flowers is nice to receive

it was really lovely to know all my hard work had been apreciated

its not like i got a bonus like the bankers did

If you only knew the amount of sh*t we have to put up with from kids and parents alike throughout the year , I think giving a small gift is the least you can do.