In light of Teacher Appreciation Week, one Missouri educator blasted fellow teachers for posting complaints about what gifts they received. These videos have lit a fire under the educator, who stated, “It’s not about the mug, it’s about the thought.”
The teacher, Mikayla Dane, doesn’t specify which district she teaches in, but videos show her location in Missouri. With the appreciation week happening this month, the educator has been seeing videos that “really grind [her] gears.” Her video has over 18,700 likes and over 210,000 views.
One specific video the Missouri educator cited was a teacher recording a TJ Maxx table setup for appreciation gifts. This had the caption: “Reminder to not get your kids’ teacher these gifts.” She also claimed she sees videos of teachers sharing what they actually want as gifts, such as manicures or coffee gift cards. The educator explained that seeing these videos “makes [her] so mad!” She stated that the reason this upsets her was that it’s “so disrespectful to be complaining about a gift.” Additionally, she said, “The audacity to say ‘I don’t want this, give me this,’ that’s my pet peeve.”
She felt that it was common sense to know that complaining was rude. It would be one thing if it were a loved one buying a gift, and you said I want this instead. But students’ parents “don’t have to get you anything.” The Missouri educator stated, “We’re not obligated to a gift!” She elaborated by expressing, “So the fact that if someone gives you one when you’re not obligated to one, and you’re complaining about that, that’s insane!” While it would be okay not to use those gifts, it was “the simple fact that someone thought of you, and someone spent money on you” to show appreciation.
Several Praise Missouri Educator
Many in the comments agree with her statements, praising her for drawing attention to the absurdity of the gift-giving. One commenter says, “It’s teacher appreciation week. Not Christmas.” Another says, “I’m just over it, honestly.” One agrees, “Thank you! We have lost all manners!”
Meanwhile, several teachers have posted in the comments of the TikTok video, sharing the heartfelt gifts they’ve received. One teacher said their student’s drawing made them cry. The comment reads, “One of my students drew me a picture of two flowers dancing together, and it said ‘I wish we didn’t have to grow apart’.” One shared a picture of croissants, saying, “This meant more than anything else.” Another says, “I get excited when the kids fold gum wrappers into hearts and give them to me.”
It’s truly the little things that should matter the most, especially as the Missouri educator said, it’s the thought that counts the most.
