Special educators and friends please weigh in

story1267

story1267

Cathlete
As many of you know I have two kids who are both on IEP's.

This is the end of DS's elementary school career. His PDD teacher has been wonderful with him for the past 2 years. There are a lot of other people who help him each day.

DD has done much better this year mostly due to her SPED teacher who has pushed and prodded and provoked and praised her and gone above and beyond the call of duty in terms of being open to my questions and answering my emails.

I'd like to thank all these people for what they've done for my blesseds. I need ideas for something that is meaningful, clutter free (or clutter light), and relatively inexpensive because money is super tight these days.

For DS's teacher I was planning on hitting BJ's with her classroom wish list and picking up mondo-quantities of the items.

Please, if you are a special educator, or you work with, or you know one, can you ask what they'd most like from a grateful parent?

Thanks!
 
Suzanne,
I think hitting BJ's is a great idea. Or you could perhaps treat his teacher (and anyone else in the crew) to lunch and have it delivered. Or maybe a gift certificate to someplace they would enjoy. I think any gesture, even a note would be appreciated. My SO is a special ed teacher and I know he truly appreciates seeing his students succeed, that is the best gift of all.
 
I agree with everything Beavs said.

My sister is a 5th grade teacher, and while she's not a special ed teacer, she does have several IEP students. She always appreciates thank you notes and supplies for her classroom. Teachers often have to spend their own money on things for the classroom, so any help there would be welcome. But a handwritten thank you note will mean so much -- something tangible that they read again and again when they need a reminder that what they do really does count for something.
 
My DS had an absolute angel for a teacher last year. I wrote her a long heartfelt note telling her what a difference she had made in my son's life (and our family). She read it, hugged me and told me, "This one is a keeper." I also gave her a gift card to Kohls because I knew her budget was VERY tight as her only son was starting college and she shopped there for herself and him. IMO most teachers are underpaid so I try to give them a gift card that's "close to cash" so they can use it for themselves and their families, not for their jobs. (As for my son's teacher this year, my primary gift to her will be not running her over in the parking lot!)

Jonahnah
Chocolate IS the answer, regardless of the question.
 
I am a regular ed teacher, but have lots of IEP kids. I talked with our resource room teacher and she said that she treasures the MOST the notes/cards that are thank you notes. She mentioned the ones that mention specifically what she has done to help that child.

This week at our school, we all received a booklet made up of little quotes from our students that say why we are special as their teachers. It included the misspellings and "kidspeak", too. It is very cute! I loved reading what they like about us!

Your child's teacher will just be so happy that you took the time to think of her!! Spending a lot of money is not necessary!!

(I just remembered...this week at Target the vases are on sale. I bought some of the $5 ones and put a piece of tissue paper in each one and filled it with 8-10 chocolates...these were also on sale at Target. This made a great gift for all my children's teachers this week. I also included a note with a quote from each child about their favorite thing about their teacher. A pretty cheap gift. I also included a plate of a few brownies...just on a paper plate. One batch of brownies made enough for all 5 teachers!!)

Hope that helps!!
Jenn :)
 
i wish i could afford since my DD has so many teachers and therapist LOL but gift cards sound like a neat idea.helping with classroom wish list is another great idea since alot of their supplies they purchase are out of their own pockets at times. but i think anything you do to say "thank you" they will love as much.
kassia

http://www.picturetrail.com/ldy_solana

http://jtjulian2003.tripod.com

YOU CAN'T HAVE EVERYTHING,WHERE WOULD YOU PUT IT??

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1307/4842454/16585805/255246443.jpg
 
I resigned after 7 years in special education. First of all, telling the teacher/staff how much you appreciate them and that you recognize the devotion and care they have shown your children will mean so much! Also, your idea to hit BJ's and buy mondo quantities of needed classroom items is brilliant! Make sure you leave a photo of your darlings with them also! You are wonderful to acknowledge them in this way b/c so many people just don't take the time to even verbally express appreciation. You rock!
Angela
 
Thanks everyone for your excellent suggestions and encouragement. Really, words cannot express how I feel when I see each of them master a new concept or just generally have a good day. You put these unique, challenged, challenging kids who you love with absolute fierceness into strangers hands each day. And to see them thrive and excell. Well. It's the educators who rock. I know some days are crappy, it happens, but the dedication and caring of "the good ones" just takes my breath away.
 
Hello. I am the mother of an autistic 7 year old who has an IEP. I know what you mean, my family has been through a roller coaster with therapists, Dr's, and specialists all trying to help, some good and some bad, but all a learning experience. You can really tell though when you come across someone who loves their job and what they do. To show my appreciation I usually give out during teacher appreciation day 2 gift cards $10 each to Target and one to Chevron because there is always something you can buy at Target and who doesn't need gas? I know what you mean by wanting to spend some money on a great gift but I like to believe that the thought does count. I'm still paying for the $25,000.00 bill for a months worth of behavior/speech therapy for my little guy that he had 4 years ago. You know they are worth every penny. I also just wanted say, don't forget to give yourself some kudos. It is not easy being a parent and a parent that has a child with special needs can be even more challenging. Your children do well not only with the support of the teachers and therapist but the support and love that you give them as well. :)
 
I have been teaching pre-school for the past 16 years and by far my favorite "gift" is a heartfelt note from the parent. I have saved every one I have received and put them all in a big scrapbook along with drawings and special photos. I have recieved many other wonderful gifts that I have loved, but the special notes are the ones I truly cherish the most!!

Gin :)
 
For this past holiday season, I bought the 1-pound Hershey Chocolate bars. I cut colored paper to fit as a wrapper. I had my kids decorate, color and sign the paper/wrapper, then I wrapped it around the bar.

Simple, easy, personal, and inexpensive.

Gayle
 
Just popping back in to say thanks again and bump for any Friday viewers.

I've started gently quizzing the kids on what they like best about each teacher / aide / therapist and I'm going to compose an ode of some sort.

But I have to do it gently and over time because they will shut down if I ask too many questions! I'll get that exasperated "Mom!!!!"
 
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