Teachers & Gift Giving

Hi SUSIE Girls! So glad to meet you guys and to be a part of the SUSIE Sisterhood. My name is Kasey. I’m a teacher, actually. I love the whole learning process. It’s a passion for me.

Furthermore, I think students are brilliant individuals.  I hope each one of you recognizes that your unique perspective and personality are gifts from God.  He made you for a purpose that might not be clear now, but as you learn more about the world, about yourself and about God you too will have that “light bulb moment”.  I know your questions will help me grow and I can’t wait to discover more about each of you, your situation and your perspective.

Just to let you know, my monthly column on SUSIEMag.com will be focused on all the issues girls face in school, in learning, in the social aspect of it all. We’ll discover positive ways to handle all kinds of situations. I think it’s going to be great. So without any further delay, let’s jump into our first topic.


So, it’s Christmas time. And with that the thought of giving gifts goes hand-in-hand. So the question I’ve heard is, do I have to get each of my teachers a gift for Christmas?

Realistically, I don’t think you have to give a gift at all. But why not do something, even something little? Mind you, I’m not saying you have to, but what does it hurt?  When my students give me a gift – no matter the size or value – I feel loved.  It means they thought of me and they appreciate me. 

If you are embarrassed to be seen giving the gift, just leave it in the front office and ask them to put it in your teacher’s boxes.  You can also share your concern with your mom and dad, perhaps one of them would be willing to take the gifts to the school and put them in the teachers’ boxes for you. 

Do you have to get a gift for every single teacher?  That’s up to you.  If your teachers are all on a team it might be nice to find a generic gift that fits each person.  Or buy one gift for the whole group – I love tins of popcorn sitting in the lounge with a note from a family in our school – yummy!

If that isn’t in the budget I would say to choose the teacher that has made the greatest impact on you.   Even a small gift goes a long way with a teacher.  In secondary education we have a huge number of students. Sometimes teachers wonder if we are making a difference in their lives, or if our students remember us. 

I remember one winter when I was overwhelmed with grade preparation, anxious about family coming into town and of course; worried that I wouldn’t get everything covered before I passed out the final exam.  I finished class and went to my office for my plan period.  I saw a note that was folded and tied with red ribbon – a candy cane was attached. 

As I unfolded the note and looked at the bottom I saw that it was signed by one of my more difficult students.  She had come a long way and I was so proud of her.  That note brought me to tears.  She had taken time to thank me and she did it on paper so that I could keep it forever.

If a certain teacher has invested in you and provided you with some wonderful opportunities, I think the holidays are a perfect time to let that teacher know that you didn’t miss their investment.   Teachers are people too and they get tired.  If you can bring some joy to a teacher you are carrying out God’s command to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

Have you ever given a gift, even as small as a candy cane and a note to one of your teachers? How about sharing your story right now. What gifts did you give?  How did it go?

Blessings and Merry Christmas to each of my new SUSIE Sisses!

Kasey