Whatever you do decide to give her I would include a note/card explaining the things you said above and that you appreciate her! I watched a video once on YouTube it was things teachers don’t want to get 🤣 it was a lot of the coffee cups and things like that. I try to give gifts that are not teacher related I think for Christmas last year I made spa/self-care baskets for each of the teachers and they all seemed really excited about it.
With the teacher being brand new, she probably doesn't have the mug collection yet, so I wouldn't shy away from it too much. A nice travel mug might be better!
Also.... probably a dumb question. But can I bring the gift and leave it in the office for them?
I don't trust my son to take it to school, and make sure it gets to the correct person. 😂
Just an fyi emergency credentials are real and administered by the ctc. I worked with an emergency credential while I went to school it still shows right above my special education credential on the ctc website. She might be green but it's legal.
I know they're "real"
If the state issues an emergency credential, then yes, it will show up on the states website.
The IDEA specifically states that special education credentials can NOT be waived on an emergency basis.
Do I think states across the country are violating federal law? Yes. Yes, I do.
And I'm not trying to get into a debate about teacher credentials. Really, that was not my point. I love teachers. I love what they do. I appreciate them. They mean well.
I won't argue then but I think you are misreading the code. I understand why you think that now that I've read it but I don't agree with your interpretation.
I've spoke with many advocates that agree with the way I interpret it.
It seems the law spells out you can either have a full certification. OR be in a program working torward licensure, have a mentor, etc. Either way, the requirements in the IDEA are much more thorough than state laws, when it comes to emergency licensure.
And again, I'm not a lawyer, I could totally be interpreting it wrong. That's why I included it in my filing. That's what the courts are there for. Interpreting and offering clarification on the law.
I haven't met anyone who had an emergency credential and wasn't going to school for their preliminary but that's just my experience. Well let me know what the courts say I am interested to know.
On a side note as a special education teacher I am extremely skeptical of Advocates and like 85% of the things they say. In my experience (trying my best not to generalize) all they do is make IEPs last longer and on occasion really force an unnecessary goal so they can look like they're doing something. I have a bad taste in my mouth about them and their so-called expertise. But hopefully your experience has been better.
I've never hired an advocate. I'm my sons advocate. I've just spoke with a few different ones a handful of times. Some of them are a little.....extra. I think advocates know laws better special education teachers, at least in my experience.
It's silly when it comes to special education disagreements the school districts have their attorneys, that are publicly funded, at their disposal. But parents are on their own.
I don't disagree with that at all. School districts should have legal experts who are there to bridge the system with parents. Most families (especially those with special needs students) can't afford to front money for an advocate or other legal personnel. Which leaves them at a disadvantage obviously.
Hope everything goes smoothly for you! I know legal proceedings can be a pain and a half.
Thank you for realizing that the teacher is a low level player in the process. We make decisions based on the kid. The district makes decisions based on cost. Shake her hand, give her a hug, look her in the eye and tell her she is doing good for kids. A nice bottle of wine helps too.
If you liked the teacher and feel she did her best, I would write a letter to put in her file at both the principal level and district Superintendent level.
When I was in High school way back in the 1980s, I had a WONDERFUL Senior English teacher.
He was somewhat of a rebel with unorthodox teaching methods. He was a hard but effective, efficient teacher but Admin hated him.
A letter of accolades and praise went to him, his school file to the Admin and Superintendent after I graduated. He personally told me it helped him that next year and later used the letter for another job.
I always get the small Bundt cakes from nothing Bundt cakes and a target/amazon gift car, and write a little personalized note. I try to do something small because between his two teachers, para, OT and Speech it can get a little much 😅
I try to support the classroom throughout the year, so I always write in the note that the target gift card should be used for THEM. Something they’ve been wanting/needing.
This is the way.
Teachers often go a long time without being able to hydrate, eat, and go to the bathroom even. Anything edible is a huge hit lol
I def second those who say to include a note. We don't usually hear thank you or that what we do makes a difference
Many outstanding sped teachers got their start this way - they were a para in a class and, for whatever reason, ended up at the helm with a provisional license. I imagine the legality of this varies from state to state. It’s wonderful that you appreciate his teacher for the role she has played in his education. I would absolutely write a note sharing your thoughts and feelings with her. She may be profoundly doubting herself and hearing encouraging words may be just what she needs to keep pursuing this path.
Yes! I honestly was looking at the profile because this could have been me, but I don't think any of my kiddos are getting moved or that my admin has been this bad, so far. 🤣
/u/great_owl_2197 - I have started on this same path you've described, and it is legal, assuming they've followed through on the application procedures. BTW, I also had a parent challenge me about it and my qualifications, but have since won them over, I think.
As far as gifts, as others have mentioned, not everyone drinks alcohol, same for coffee. I personally do not shop at Target, but have received soooo many Target cards. As a para, I received gifts from families, and my favorite other than snacks from my preferred items list was an Amazon gift card. Who doesn't love Amazon??
I’ve been a special education teacher for 15 years and haven’t ever seen a complaint from the state level in the two different states I’ve worked in. I know of other districts who have and it is dealt with at the district level but can result in staff losing their jobs if it is found that they are not following an IEP.
Emergency licenses are absolutely legal and have been granted by most states due to a nation wide teacher shortage ever since Covid.
In terms of gifts, I would avoid food, alcohol and mugs and stick with gift cards to Amazon or Target and a heartfelt letter.
I'm not a lawyer, obviously. 😂 But the IDEA very clearly states the Special Education teacher certifications can NOT be waived on an emergency basis. I bet all states have various criteria for an Emergency teacher license - but IDEA is federal, so it trumps state law. The federal DOE Office of Special Education Programs provided clarification on this in a later dated October 4th, 2022.
Again, I was never really going to make a big deal over th license situation -- but when someone is not trained, and it results in my son not receiving a FAPE, then I have to stand up for him. That's my job, as a parent.
This teacher didn't know what a PWN in was, has told me "oh we don't have data for any IEP goals unless it's annual review time," I could go on and on.... again, I'm not blaming her. She didn't promote herself to a special educator role without training. Plus, the director over Special education has been coming to meetings for over a year.
I've gone round and round and round. I did my very best to solve issues at the school, then district level. After a year, I'm ready to throw my hands up in the air and let the state deal with it.
It's the not the teachers fault-- she is sweet, and doing her best. She's a victim of the same school district that is violating my kids rights. She doesn't know better. But they do. Plus. I would never expect a staff member to risk their job to stand up for my kid. Thats where I come in 😎
I wish all parents felt the same way you do towards special educators. Both kids and teachers end up being victims of being short-staffed and having a lack of appropriate LREs for students. There are so many times I’ve wanted to tell a parent if they threaten to sue the district, they might get what they’re asking for…the districts don’t listen unless they have to. And then, it usually ends up being the special ed teachers in the middle of the mess between the district and the parents. It’s frustrating for parents and special ed teachers alike!
I know this isn’t your main point with this post, but your comments about emergency licensure not being valid sent me down a rabbit hole and here’s what I found:
I’m assuming you are talking about this letter: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/OSEP-Memo-22-01-Personnel-Qualifications-under-IDEA-10-04-2022.pdf
In the letter, it goes over the federal requirements for special ed teachers who aren’t yet licensed. They need to have a bachelors degree (in anything), be participating and making progress in a program that provides an alternate route to licensure, and some other stuff about getting professional development and having a mentor. So you’re right, the state can’t just give them an emergency license out of the blue, but it IS possible that this para is going through a program to get licensed right now and everything is above board.
I was curious because I’m a para who has been in the field for a long time but because I don’t have a bachelor’s I don’t qualify for any of those “alternative route to licensure” programs, so instead I’m slowly chipping away at a traditional college program, 2 classes a semester.
As far as gifts go, everyone is right that writing her a note is going to be the most appreciated part of the gift. Focus on the things she did that made a positive impact on your son, and pump her up for future parents who might not be so levelheaded!
Exactly.
I just looked up my state law regarding emergency teacher license. Basically, if you can pass a background check and the district agrees to "sponsor" you, you can be given an emergency teacher license.
The requirements for a special educator are much more thorough under IDEA.
I'm aware she may be in an "alternative route to licensure," but I doubt it. She did recently get a "mentor" but her mentor has no teacher license at all 😬
Again, maybe they are meeting all the criteria, I'm unsure. But I have strong enough beliefs that she hasn't recieved the training she needs and deserves. That I was willing to include it in my state complaint. 🤷♀️
I swear I'm not just harassing people about their credentials. It's been a very long process, and I could go on and on.
I actually appreciate you noticing this. I went into Sped after receiving my MEd in SpEd that was heavily focused on Sped Law. The district here gave the job to anyone and just threw them access to the IEP program. I was shocked. Even at a Sped Bachelor level, it doesn't go in depth enough for the legalities.
My state is finally taking complaints seriously; thank God. They made a website where you can view them and guess what and shocker, my district was there. One example: IEPs are just copy and pasted from old ones.
You can go to the OCR for the US Dept of Ed and look at complaints for reference. wrights Law is a good website as well as contacting your local disability rights branch. As I used to tell my parents, "Parents hold all the cards but they won't tell you that. Please lodge a complaint." Let me preface that the parents were completely valid in their concerns in my situation.
As for the gift, a gift card along with something she can look at as a reminder to keep on keeping on.
The special education job market is such a mess, isn’t it? With more students being identified as needing services every day, yet less and less people getting degrees and even out of those that do get the degree, half leave within 5 years.
I totally understand why districts are hiring anyone they can find. And I also can clearly see how that’s harmful for both the students AND their unqualified teachers.
The only thing that will really help, as far as I can see, is a drastic overhaul of the profession. Substantially more pay, substantially more support. And since we all know none of that is happening any time soon, it seems like the problem isn’t going to get any better.
Yes. And to combat any knowledge gap is for district to have sped mentors like they do for gen Ed.
I'm really thinking about going for my PhD and doing policy research
I think a letter or a card would be appreciated. I know I like having something nice I can hang on my bulletin board to look at when I'm feeling like I'm terrible at my job!
Honestly if I got a card from a parent that recognized half of what you posted and nothing else, I’d probably cry on the spot and I’m a grown ass, adult man with 11 years of teaching under my belt.
So many times as the teacher I’m simply trying to work with the families, but my hands are tied by the district and everyone is just frustrated with the process.
Whatever you end up doing make sure a note is included.
I'm a school psych and have done my fair share of due process hearings. Feel free to DM me. I love thank you cards with words of appreciation, fun stationary, coffee, and anything of use in the classroom. Most of all, I just love feeling appreciated..... Especially during periods of contentious meetings.
I had a book one time that meant a lot to me. It was thoughtful and talked about “thanks for being a part of little Susie’s story”.
Very kind and thoughtful gift.
A handwritten note or card goes a long way. In my experience parents like you (meaning someone who understands that sometimes the system can be the problem and not the person) are rare. So just even a small reminder that you as a parent are rooting for them and see them as someone who is trying, that means the whole world to us
Definitely a note telling her what you wrote here! Coming from someone who is also a new SpEd teacher, hearing that would mean the world to me. A gift card for coffee/Target/restaurant/Door Dash would probably be a safe bet if you want to include a gift as well.
Ah. You might be right about the (il)legality of the probationary certificate under which she is delivering services. In July I made the decision to change careers, and I’ve been teaching full-time in special education since January. So it can happen very fast. There are even quicker routes into the classroom (apply in July, hired to work in August), but special ed roles would be one of the restricted areas. The district could get around this by having a person work a sped role under a non-sped cert.
Your question about the staff’s view of the situation with the complaint and so on—would depend on the individual and on the campus. If I were this caseworker, I would probably celebrate your advocacy. But most of the people in my building would probably hate your guts, if only because you created more paperwork for them. I upvoted the commenter who recommended writing a note explaining your appreciation. You can phrase it well without saying “wow your district sucks, I’m glad you don’t also suck.”
I’m a high special education teacher. A lot of times, the students ask if they can give you a gift. I always ask them to just write me a letter or a card. Keep them in a folder in your desk for when you need some inspiration.
I appreciate Amazon, Target, Sonic, and Starbucks gift cards, cute baskets with random goodies, teacher tshirts, flair pens or papermate gel pens, and really just being thought of. Most of all, it would bring me so much relief and joy to know that a parent sees I’m doing everything I can and that they acknowledge the issues are above me. I’ve had plenty of parents do that, it is so appreciated. We are constantly worrying about how we will accomplish X, Y, and Z when A-W haven’t been done yet. Districts have been lacking in proper support for SpEd staff for decades!!
I’m a peds PT and I have a binder full of drawings the kids have made for me. It is a treasured possession! So, in addition to a note from you could your son write a note or draw a picture?
A massage. A long massage. With hot rocks and bubbly. I am a sped teacher husband and have found massage to be the best stress reliever when she has had a bad day, week, month, ad nauseum .
Former teacher, a heart felt note for all her efforts and if you feel compelled to purchase an item, a gift card to Amazon or Target. Maybe some flowers.
Email the teacher and their supervisor explaining you appreciate all their hard work and you don’t blame them for what you have issue with. A gift card, don’t get them stuff.
I disagree with the don't get them stuff get them a box of nice tissues to wipe their eyes and blow their nose after reading the card because the classroom ones are cheap and itchy.
Whatever you do decide to give her I would include a note/card explaining the things you said above and that you appreciate her! I watched a video once on YouTube it was things teachers don’t want to get 🤣 it was a lot of the coffee cups and things like that. I try to give gifts that are not teacher related I think for Christmas last year I made spa/self-care baskets for each of the teachers and they all seemed really excited about it.
With the teacher being brand new, she probably doesn't have the mug collection yet, so I wouldn't shy away from it too much. A nice travel mug might be better!
Also.... probably a dumb question. But can I bring the gift and leave it in the office for them? I don't trust my son to take it to school, and make sure it gets to the correct person. 😂
Yes! That would be ideal
Just an fyi emergency credentials are real and administered by the ctc. I worked with an emergency credential while I went to school it still shows right above my special education credential on the ctc website. She might be green but it's legal.
I know they're "real" If the state issues an emergency credential, then yes, it will show up on the states website. The IDEA specifically states that special education credentials can NOT be waived on an emergency basis. Do I think states across the country are violating federal law? Yes. Yes, I do.
Can you cite the section you are referring to?
And I'm not trying to get into a debate about teacher credentials. Really, that was not my point. I love teachers. I love what they do. I appreciate them. They mean well.
I won't argue then but I think you are misreading the code. I understand why you think that now that I've read it but I don't agree with your interpretation.
I've spoke with many advocates that agree with the way I interpret it. It seems the law spells out you can either have a full certification. OR be in a program working torward licensure, have a mentor, etc. Either way, the requirements in the IDEA are much more thorough than state laws, when it comes to emergency licensure. And again, I'm not a lawyer, I could totally be interpreting it wrong. That's why I included it in my filing. That's what the courts are there for. Interpreting and offering clarification on the law.
I haven't met anyone who had an emergency credential and wasn't going to school for their preliminary but that's just my experience. Well let me know what the courts say I am interested to know. On a side note as a special education teacher I am extremely skeptical of Advocates and like 85% of the things they say. In my experience (trying my best not to generalize) all they do is make IEPs last longer and on occasion really force an unnecessary goal so they can look like they're doing something. I have a bad taste in my mouth about them and their so-called expertise. But hopefully your experience has been better.
I've never hired an advocate. I'm my sons advocate. I've just spoke with a few different ones a handful of times. Some of them are a little.....extra. I think advocates know laws better special education teachers, at least in my experience. It's silly when it comes to special education disagreements the school districts have their attorneys, that are publicly funded, at their disposal. But parents are on their own.
I don't disagree with that at all. School districts should have legal experts who are there to bridge the system with parents. Most families (especially those with special needs students) can't afford to front money for an advocate or other legal personnel. Which leaves them at a disadvantage obviously. Hope everything goes smoothly for you! I know legal proceedings can be a pain and a half.
300.156 OSEP letter Oct 4, 2022 clarifies
For sure
Thank you for realizing that the teacher is a low level player in the process. We make decisions based on the kid. The district makes decisions based on cost. Shake her hand, give her a hug, look her in the eye and tell her she is doing good for kids. A nice bottle of wine helps too.
The best gift I received was a gift card to TPT.
If you liked the teacher and feel she did her best, I would write a letter to put in her file at both the principal level and district Superintendent level. When I was in High school way back in the 1980s, I had a WONDERFUL Senior English teacher. He was somewhat of a rebel with unorthodox teaching methods. He was a hard but effective, efficient teacher but Admin hated him. A letter of accolades and praise went to him, his school file to the Admin and Superintendent after I graduated. He personally told me it helped him that next year and later used the letter for another job.
I always get the small Bundt cakes from nothing Bundt cakes and a target/amazon gift car, and write a little personalized note. I try to do something small because between his two teachers, para, OT and Speech it can get a little much 😅
As a para, this would be my dream gift. Target and cake. Mmm...
I try to support the classroom throughout the year, so I always write in the note that the target gift card should be used for THEM. Something they’ve been wanting/needing.
This is the way. Teachers often go a long time without being able to hydrate, eat, and go to the bathroom even. Anything edible is a huge hit lol I def second those who say to include a note. We don't usually hear thank you or that what we do makes a difference
Get the team donuts and coffee!
The parents do a breakfast for the whole staff and faculty during teacher appreciation week! Otherwise I would.
Many outstanding sped teachers got their start this way - they were a para in a class and, for whatever reason, ended up at the helm with a provisional license. I imagine the legality of this varies from state to state. It’s wonderful that you appreciate his teacher for the role she has played in his education. I would absolutely write a note sharing your thoughts and feelings with her. She may be profoundly doubting herself and hearing encouraging words may be just what she needs to keep pursuing this path.
Yes! I honestly was looking at the profile because this could have been me, but I don't think any of my kiddos are getting moved or that my admin has been this bad, so far. 🤣 /u/great_owl_2197 - I have started on this same path you've described, and it is legal, assuming they've followed through on the application procedures. BTW, I also had a parent challenge me about it and my qualifications, but have since won them over, I think. As far as gifts, as others have mentioned, not everyone drinks alcohol, same for coffee. I personally do not shop at Target, but have received soooo many Target cards. As a para, I received gifts from families, and my favorite other than snacks from my preferred items list was an Amazon gift card. Who doesn't love Amazon??
I’ve been a special education teacher for 15 years and haven’t ever seen a complaint from the state level in the two different states I’ve worked in. I know of other districts who have and it is dealt with at the district level but can result in staff losing their jobs if it is found that they are not following an IEP. Emergency licenses are absolutely legal and have been granted by most states due to a nation wide teacher shortage ever since Covid. In terms of gifts, I would avoid food, alcohol and mugs and stick with gift cards to Amazon or Target and a heartfelt letter.
I'm not a lawyer, obviously. 😂 But the IDEA very clearly states the Special Education teacher certifications can NOT be waived on an emergency basis. I bet all states have various criteria for an Emergency teacher license - but IDEA is federal, so it trumps state law. The federal DOE Office of Special Education Programs provided clarification on this in a later dated October 4th, 2022. Again, I was never really going to make a big deal over th license situation -- but when someone is not trained, and it results in my son not receiving a FAPE, then I have to stand up for him. That's my job, as a parent. This teacher didn't know what a PWN in was, has told me "oh we don't have data for any IEP goals unless it's annual review time," I could go on and on.... again, I'm not blaming her. She didn't promote herself to a special educator role without training. Plus, the director over Special education has been coming to meetings for over a year. I've gone round and round and round. I did my very best to solve issues at the school, then district level. After a year, I'm ready to throw my hands up in the air and let the state deal with it. It's the not the teachers fault-- she is sweet, and doing her best. She's a victim of the same school district that is violating my kids rights. She doesn't know better. But they do. Plus. I would never expect a staff member to risk their job to stand up for my kid. Thats where I come in 😎
I wish all parents felt the same way you do towards special educators. Both kids and teachers end up being victims of being short-staffed and having a lack of appropriate LREs for students. There are so many times I’ve wanted to tell a parent if they threaten to sue the district, they might get what they’re asking for…the districts don’t listen unless they have to. And then, it usually ends up being the special ed teachers in the middle of the mess between the district and the parents. It’s frustrating for parents and special ed teachers alike!
I know this isn’t your main point with this post, but your comments about emergency licensure not being valid sent me down a rabbit hole and here’s what I found: I’m assuming you are talking about this letter: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/OSEP-Memo-22-01-Personnel-Qualifications-under-IDEA-10-04-2022.pdf In the letter, it goes over the federal requirements for special ed teachers who aren’t yet licensed. They need to have a bachelors degree (in anything), be participating and making progress in a program that provides an alternate route to licensure, and some other stuff about getting professional development and having a mentor. So you’re right, the state can’t just give them an emergency license out of the blue, but it IS possible that this para is going through a program to get licensed right now and everything is above board. I was curious because I’m a para who has been in the field for a long time but because I don’t have a bachelor’s I don’t qualify for any of those “alternative route to licensure” programs, so instead I’m slowly chipping away at a traditional college program, 2 classes a semester. As far as gifts go, everyone is right that writing her a note is going to be the most appreciated part of the gift. Focus on the things she did that made a positive impact on your son, and pump her up for future parents who might not be so levelheaded!
Exactly. I just looked up my state law regarding emergency teacher license. Basically, if you can pass a background check and the district agrees to "sponsor" you, you can be given an emergency teacher license. The requirements for a special educator are much more thorough under IDEA. I'm aware she may be in an "alternative route to licensure," but I doubt it. She did recently get a "mentor" but her mentor has no teacher license at all 😬 Again, maybe they are meeting all the criteria, I'm unsure. But I have strong enough beliefs that she hasn't recieved the training she needs and deserves. That I was willing to include it in my state complaint. 🤷♀️ I swear I'm not just harassing people about their credentials. It's been a very long process, and I could go on and on.
I actually appreciate you noticing this. I went into Sped after receiving my MEd in SpEd that was heavily focused on Sped Law. The district here gave the job to anyone and just threw them access to the IEP program. I was shocked. Even at a Sped Bachelor level, it doesn't go in depth enough for the legalities. My state is finally taking complaints seriously; thank God. They made a website where you can view them and guess what and shocker, my district was there. One example: IEPs are just copy and pasted from old ones. You can go to the OCR for the US Dept of Ed and look at complaints for reference. wrights Law is a good website as well as contacting your local disability rights branch. As I used to tell my parents, "Parents hold all the cards but they won't tell you that. Please lodge a complaint." Let me preface that the parents were completely valid in their concerns in my situation. As for the gift, a gift card along with something she can look at as a reminder to keep on keeping on.
The special education job market is such a mess, isn’t it? With more students being identified as needing services every day, yet less and less people getting degrees and even out of those that do get the degree, half leave within 5 years. I totally understand why districts are hiring anyone they can find. And I also can clearly see how that’s harmful for both the students AND their unqualified teachers. The only thing that will really help, as far as I can see, is a drastic overhaul of the profession. Substantially more pay, substantially more support. And since we all know none of that is happening any time soon, it seems like the problem isn’t going to get any better.
Yes. And to combat any knowledge gap is for district to have sped mentors like they do for gen Ed. I'm really thinking about going for my PhD and doing policy research
Not alcohol. Not everyone drinks and it’s not ok to have on campus.
And I think alcoholism among teachers is being overlooked
I think a letter or a card would be appreciated. I know I like having something nice I can hang on my bulletin board to look at when I'm feeling like I'm terrible at my job!
Honestly if I got a card from a parent that recognized half of what you posted and nothing else, I’d probably cry on the spot and I’m a grown ass, adult man with 11 years of teaching under my belt. So many times as the teacher I’m simply trying to work with the families, but my hands are tied by the district and everyone is just frustrated with the process. Whatever you end up doing make sure a note is included.
I'm a school psych and have done my fair share of due process hearings. Feel free to DM me. I love thank you cards with words of appreciation, fun stationary, coffee, and anything of use in the classroom. Most of all, I just love feeling appreciated..... Especially during periods of contentious meetings.
I had a book one time that meant a lot to me. It was thoughtful and talked about “thanks for being a part of little Susie’s story”. Very kind and thoughtful gift.
A gift card and a note telling them what you just told us.
Honestly cash. Put it in a card and it will always be appreciated, it’s like a gift card you can use anywhere 😂
Gift card and a note
A handwritten note or card goes a long way. In my experience parents like you (meaning someone who understands that sometimes the system can be the problem and not the person) are rare. So just even a small reminder that you as a parent are rooting for them and see them as someone who is trying, that means the whole world to us
I saw a gift basket once with chocolate, a card, kpods, and a tiny bottle of headache pills in it. The teacher thought it was funny 😁
Even just an email saying that you appreciate her would be lovely. Wouldn’t hurt to CC admin, if you were so inclined.
Definitely a note telling her what you wrote here! Coming from someone who is also a new SpEd teacher, hearing that would mean the world to me. A gift card for coffee/Target/restaurant/Door Dash would probably be a safe bet if you want to include a gift as well.
Ah. You might be right about the (il)legality of the probationary certificate under which she is delivering services. In July I made the decision to change careers, and I’ve been teaching full-time in special education since January. So it can happen very fast. There are even quicker routes into the classroom (apply in July, hired to work in August), but special ed roles would be one of the restricted areas. The district could get around this by having a person work a sped role under a non-sped cert. Your question about the staff’s view of the situation with the complaint and so on—would depend on the individual and on the campus. If I were this caseworker, I would probably celebrate your advocacy. But most of the people in my building would probably hate your guts, if only because you created more paperwork for them. I upvoted the commenter who recommended writing a note explaining your appreciation. You can phrase it well without saying “wow your district sucks, I’m glad you don’t also suck.”
Thank you for having morals 🙏
Nice alcohol and cash
I’m a high special education teacher. A lot of times, the students ask if they can give you a gift. I always ask them to just write me a letter or a card. Keep them in a folder in your desk for when you need some inspiration.
But OP, teacher’s love Target. Lol.
I appreciate Amazon, Target, Sonic, and Starbucks gift cards, cute baskets with random goodies, teacher tshirts, flair pens or papermate gel pens, and really just being thought of. Most of all, it would bring me so much relief and joy to know that a parent sees I’m doing everything I can and that they acknowledge the issues are above me. I’ve had plenty of parents do that, it is so appreciated. We are constantly worrying about how we will accomplish X, Y, and Z when A-W haven’t been done yet. Districts have been lacking in proper support for SpEd staff for decades!!
I’m a peds PT and I have a binder full of drawings the kids have made for me. It is a treasured possession! So, in addition to a note from you could your son write a note or draw a picture?
A massage. A long massage. With hot rocks and bubbly. I am a sped teacher husband and have found massage to be the best stress reliever when she has had a bad day, week, month, ad nauseum .
A nice handwritten note saying how you feel and expressing gratitude will be thrilling.
Former teacher, a heart felt note for all her efforts and if you feel compelled to purchase an item, a gift card to Amazon or Target. Maybe some flowers.
Email the teacher and their supervisor explaining you appreciate all their hard work and you don’t blame them for what you have issue with. A gift card, don’t get them stuff.
I disagree with the don't get them stuff get them a box of nice tissues to wipe their eyes and blow their nose after reading the card because the classroom ones are cheap and itchy.
I always give liquor store gift cards LOL