Whatever Happened to Classroom Etiquette?

I remember giving my teachers gifts on the last day of school.  No – it wasn’t to bribe them for good grades, but to thank them for teaching me all year long. They weren’t expensive gifts: a box of candy, a nifty ruler, the proverbial shiny apple. It was a time when kids – and their parents – respected and appreciated teachers. 

Not like today, when students demand good grades (even if they didn’t earn them), and parents accuse teachers of unfair grading and challenge them about topics covered on tests (when the parents don’t like the grades their kids receive).

I’ve always believed that you should always support your child’s teachers.  They’re overworked, underpaid, and bullied by parents and students alike. Besides, when parents and students are respectful and grateful to teachers, this encourages the teachers to become even better teachers.  After all, “praise begets emulation, — a goodly seed to sow among youthful students” – Horace Mann.

So, now that the school year is winding down, spend a moment (and maybe a few bucks to buy a gift) to thank your children’s teachers.  You have no idea how much they’ll appreciate it.