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| Teacher Gifts this Holiday Season |
| posted by: Alix | December 13, 2011, 09:45 PM |
|
As young students, everyone remembers bringing their teacher a gift during the holiday season. Everything from tins of holiday cookies to homemade paper weights are given every year from students across the country without fail. This year, however, a law in Alabama is making waves for its harsh penalties for teachers who accept gifts from students over a mere $25, raising questions nationwide about holiday giving and whether accepting gifts as an educator is appropriate. According to the law enacted by the Alabama legislature, any teacher who accepts a Christmas ham or a $25 gift card from a student is breaking Alabama's new ethics law for public employees. Under the provisions, a teacher could potentially receive up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine. The law, which took effect earlier this year and is considered one of the most extreme in the country, limits what public officials and employees can receive as gifts, but it doesn't define that amount monetarily. With the holiday season in full swing, the State Ethics Commission has been flooded with calls about what students can give. Teachers in the state are calling the rules unnecessary. "The bottom line for me is, our teachers are being forced to make a decision between breaking the law or breaking a child's heart," said Ms. Amy O'Neal, an elementary school teacher. In an advisory message meant to clarify the rules, the state's Ethics Commission stated, "hams, turkeys or gift cards with a specific monetary value are not permissible." Items of nominal value, such as homemade cookies, coffee mugs and small fruit baskets, are acceptable. The statement did not give a specific dollar amount for student-teacher gifts. Many have highlighted that while the law is intended to promote ethical practices among government employees, including teachers, the rule implies that educators can be bribed by gifts from students. It will be interesting to see whether this law will have any impact on disciplinary action against teachers in Alabama for that same reason. The controversy produces an interesting dilemma for parents, students and teachers nationwide. While many parents send their children to school with gifts for their teachers, they may unknowingly be setting up an educator to violate a school policy or state law. In conjunction with reading up on any stated district polices, teachers might also consider having his or her class participate in group art project as a "gift" to that particular teacher in the spirit of the season. For those parents who are planning on giving a gift to their child's teacher, tips for giving inexpensive gifts can be found on various websites. From homemade letters and cards to low cost supplies, teachers appreciate meaningful gestures as well as useful items for the classroom. Are you allowed to accept gifts at your school? Is there a cap on what you can receive? Comment below.
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