How to not bribe my teacher

Applying to College
1

<p>I am a HS junior. This year, when an AP class that I wanted to take did not fit into my schedule, a teacher agreed to help me take it as an independent study. It has been great working with this teacher and I think that I should get her some sort of gift for doing this with me (teachers do not get paid for independent study classes). However, I just asked this teacher for a college recommendation. I don't want to put her in an uncomfortable position. I don't want her to think I am bribing her for a good recommendation. I just really want to thank her for helping me.</p>

<p>Any suggestions on what I should do? Has anybody been in this situation before? </p>

<p>And, furthermore, any suggestions for teacher gifts?</p>

2

<p>I wouldn't give a gift. You can thank her sincerely without giving her something. Maybe go with a card at the most.</p>

3

<p>Wait until after she's written the recommendation for you; that way it's truly a thank-you and not a bribe.</p>

<p>Most teachers like books...if you can't think of something specific, a B&N or Borders gift card is always appreciated.</p>

4

<p>Haha, I suppose lavendercloud is just nicer than me.</p>

5

<p>Something she might appreciate more than a gift is a heartfelt letter, thanking her for helping you learn and mature.</p>

<p>Then again, everybody loves diamonds.</p>

6

<p>lol to the diamonds</p>

7

<p>Just give cash and tell her that you expect an especially good recommendation, or give her a blank check, either or.</p>

<p>Just wait until she has written the recommendation and get her something then. It also depends on your relationship with her, her attitude, and how you guys talk with each other. It wouldn't be a bribe or even put her in an uncomfortable position if you are thanking her for independently helping you for the AP class. Do you think she will think of it as a bribe? I think she would understand you are thanking her for something else.</p>

8

<p>lol this makes me remember when a fellow classmate bought a small apple shaped leather Coach brand keychain for a teacher for Christmas. She was a really young teacher and she freaked out like "OMG! It's COACH!"</p>

<p>But yes, a card wound probably be best, and the timing would be better if you gave it to her after the recommendation.</p>

9

<p>Or wait until Christmas and get her something. That way, it wouldn't be unusual and recs might be done by then.</p>

10

<p>At first I thought to just give the gift after the recommendation, but I don't know if you want to wait until November (or whenever) of next year to thank him/her for something he/she did this year. If he/she is going to give you the recommendation in advance or something, then just wait, but if you've asked for the recommendation for next year, then I would get something now and be specific on the cardor when you give it that it's for the independent study class.</p>

11

<p>my gosh guys...it isn't a bribe...it's pretty common to get your teacher something after they've written you a recommendation, seriously</p>

<p>if you bought her something over like $30, then maybe it's different</p>

12

<p>As a former professor who wrote lots of recommendations and did lots to help out students, the best "gift" that any student gave me was a heartfelt letter telling me how my mentoring and teaching had helped them. Knowing I'd made a difference in a student's life was the best present that any could give me, far better than any material gift. Getting material gifts from students always made me feel uncomfortable. I didn't teach in order to get gifts. I taught because I loved helping people learn and grow.</p>

13

<p>but isnt also ok to get material gifts before a recommendation? its NOT a bribe if you do it to show the teacher how much you appreciate her taking time to write rec's...</p>