With commitment day over, the final stretch of senior year has arrived! Let’s take a moment to thank the teachers who helped us get here—especially those who wrote our college recs. These letters took great time and care, so our thanks should too. We’ve outlined some examples and tips in this guide, including teacher interviews(!) from Scheiman, Wan, Yang, Pluchino, and Greenwald! Make sure to check them out, and good luck!!

Thanks to all the included teachers above for their advice, and the previous Senior Caucus for their guide featuring Ms. Pedrick and Dr. Greenwald!

General Tips 🤔📝

• Include a thoughtful note about their impact on you & your high school journey
  • “Try to hand-write the note if you can, it shows effort!” —Ms. Pedrick
• Make the gift personalized to their likes/class/hobbies
  • “Teachers most appreciate hand-made gifts that show thought and intention. [An] example is a plate of homemade brownies!” —Ms. Pedrick
• Don’t wait until the last minute
• Don’t give a generic message or overly expensive gift

Gift Ideas 🎁

• A book you think they’d enjoy
• A framed photo or poster related to their class
• An item from an inside joke or experience that you share
• A piece of handmade art inspired by their class

Frequently Asked Questions 🙋‍♀️💭

What are the school rules regarding gifts?

Per DOE policy, employees cannot accept gifts of monetary value from individual children, parents, or guardians. Only gifts that are principally sentimental in nature and of small financial value may be accepted. This rule exists to avoid any sense of favoritism or expectation of personal benefit. Teachers also want to steer clear of anything that might feel like an exchange for an unfounded favor.

• NYC government statement (courtesy of Dr. Greenwald):
  • “The law was written to prevent a public service from using their office for private gain, giving preferential treatment to any person or firm, or creating the appearance of any of the above.”

When is the best time to give them?

Now that decisions have come out and commitments have been finalized, now would be a great time to give a gift. Try finding your teachers during their frees and make sure to give the gift in person!

How long should the note be?