What Pen To Get For My Teacher?

[Lorna Reed]

We don't seem to have a 'no gifts' policy in the UK. Children often give their teacher a gift and a card on the last day of the school year in July. In fact you can buy 'thank you to my teacher' cards in all the card shops about now.

Edited June 21, 2011 by Lorna Reed

[Koyote]

If I were given a MB pen, I would not accept it, even if it wasn't breaking the law. If a professor anywhere I have taught or taken classes accepted such a gift and it became known, it would likely end his/her career. Do whatever you do, but be aware that it can have devastating consequences.

 

You are almost certainly incorrect, at least here in the US. I have been a college professor for a long time, have worked at four different colleges/universities, and have never heard of a rule prohibiting the receipt of gifts from former students. In fact, gifts from current students are even pretty common, though they tend to be of a token nature.

 

The OP apparently is in Germany or Turkey, and I have (in past) received lovely gifts from Turkish and German students - so I would guess that, in those countries, such gift-giving is acceptable.

 

I'm not suggesting the the OP should buy a fancy pen for the teacher; I am just stating the Jeffery Smith's post is questionable.

My University specifically has a rule against accepting gifts from students, to avoid undue influence. Even if we didn't, I would feel very uncomfortable if someone gave me anything of value.

 

 

Sure, some schools have such policies. I was stating that Jeffery Smith's post, which suggests that receiving a gift would be a career-ender for virtually any professor/teacher, is likely wrong.

 

By the way, Basso, does your university prohibit receipt of gifts from former students? Just wondering.

[JefferyS]

I didn't say anywhere, I said anywhere that I have taught. I also didn't say would, I said would likely. Likely anywhere that I have taught is not quite the same as would everywhere.

[hbquikcomjamesl]

Seems to me that graduation would put an end to any potential conflicts of interest.

 

I once gave one of my high school teachers an Osmiroid 65. He'd been carrying around 2 Sheaffer cartridge-only FPs (the $2 flat-end metal-cap version) for years, and refilling his own cartridges; he'd reawakened my own interest in FPs. I wanted him to have something more convenient than refilling cartridges, and a lever-fill fit the definition.

[Koyote]

I didn't say anywhere, I said anywhere that I have taught. I also didn't say would, I said would likely. Likely anywhere that I have taught is not quite the same as would everywhere.

 

I'd sure like to see this list of schools, and some evidence that this is true. I am doubtful.

[JefferyS]

I didn't say anywhere, I said anywhere that I have taught. I also didn't say would, I said would likely. Likely anywhere that I have taught is not quite the same as would everywhere.

 

I'd sure like to see this list of schools, and some evidence that this is true. I am doubtful.

 

You can believe anything you want to believe. I was remarking to the original poster and told the original poster that what he did was up to him. If someone who had just taken my class offered me a lavish gift, I would thank him or her and decline to take it. You obviously would take it. Good for you!. There is an ethical consideration here about not accepting lavish gifts after awarding a grade.

 

 

 

[JefferyS]

Seems to me that graduation would put an end to any potential conflicts of interest.

 

I once gave one of my high school teachers an Osmiroid 65. He'd been carrying around 2 Sheaffer cartridge-only FPs (the $2 flat-end metal-cap version) for years, and refilling his own cartridges; he'd reawakened my own interest in FPs. I wanted him to have something more convenient than refilling cartridges, and a lever-fill fit the definition.

Accepting what some could consider a gratuity (in the form of money, gifts, or personal services) after the awarding of a grade would not put an end to the appearance of impropriety. If it becomes known that a student who succeeded in a course had given an instructor a gift after receiving the grade, it creates a very awkward situation even if the gift was just a way of saying thank you for being a great teacher.

 

 

 

[bassopotamus]

If I were given a MB pen, I would not accept it, even if it wasn't breaking the law. If a professor anywhere I have taught or taken classes accepted such a gift and it became known, it would likely end his/her career. Do whatever you do, but be aware that it can have devastating consequences.

 

You are almost certainly incorrect, at least here in the US. I have been a college professor for a long time, have worked at four different colleges/universities, and have never heard of a rule prohibiting the receipt of gifts from former students. In fact, gifts from current students are even pretty common, though they tend to be of a token nature.

 

The OP apparently is in Germany or Turkey, and I have (in past) received lovely gifts from Turkish and German students - so I would guess that, in those countries, such gift-giving is acceptable.

 

I'm not suggesting the the OP should buy a fancy pen for the teacher; I am just stating the Jeffery Smith's post is questionable.

My University specifically has a rule against accepting gifts from students, to avoid undue influence. Even if we didn't, I would feel very uncomfortable if someone gave me anything of value.

 

 

Sure, some schools have such policies. I was stating that Jeffery Smith's post, which suggests that receiving a gift would be a career-ender for virtually any professor/teacher, is likely wrong.

 

By the way, Basso, does your university prohibit receipt of gifts from former students? Just wondering.

 

I actually don't know. The way it came up was kind of funny actually. I had a book rep give me a gift card for dinner and I wasn't sure if it was appropriate or not to take her up on it. I went to the dept head, who I think called someone in the Provost's office, which determined there was no rule about taking stuff from reps (FWIW, I took the card and got books from another company). Where I learned about the student thing was in casual discussion with the Dept head. He had been given a bottle of scotch by a student after a final I guess, and had to give it back. He said it was a shame, since it was good Scotch. I'm not sure how far down the road there would be a consideration of impropriety. After all, universities in general seem committed to shaking down alums for donations after the fact...

 

FWIW, I liked the card idea, and I don't think any university or school would have a problem with something like that.

[Koyote]

I've been taken to lunch by book reps - one even offered me a nice bag of dope on one occasion. I turned down the latter.

 

I have been given a nice bottle of Scotch and other smaller gifts by grads. None of my colleagues have ever expressed problems with this, no one has ever discussed this as improper, and there is no policy which prohibits it. But you also need to understand that here, at my small liberal arts school, we go way above and beyond the call of duty for our students -- We have very small classes, work closely with them, etc -- and so the relationships often become closer than the normal prof-student relationship. Occasionally they become too close, if you know what I mean -- and those do result in a faculty termination. But firing for a bottle of Scotch? Gimme a break! My household income is north of $100k - does anyone really think that I can be swayed by a gift that cost fifty bucks? And how could I be swayed if all grades are reported, the recommendation letters are sent, and the student has graduated?

 

I feel sorry for anyone who works in a place where such niceties as small gifts from grateful students are prohibited.

[Shaughn]

Why not first ask the university/college whether or not a gift is allowed and if it is, if there are restriction.

 

Second, if allowed, why not ask his colleagues or his spouse or someone else close what kind of gift he would appreciate?

 

Just my $0.02

[blemt]

I'm also guessing we have a cultural gap here. The op appears to be based in Europe. The odds are reasonable that there are different standards/expectations in different parts of the world.

 

In large, mainstream American universities there are rules evolving regarding acceptance of gifts from students. Additionally, faculty without the protection of tenure will traditionally try to avoid situations where a potential conflict of interests can be perceived. Some elementary and secondary schools are starting to look at putting similar rules into place because parents are trying to outdo each other with "gifts" for teachers.

 

You've got a couple options. The first is quietly ask another faculty member if there's a restriction on receiving gifts. I'm sure they'd be glad to guide you.

 

Second option is to just write a very nice letter. I will say that my dad's a college professor. This is the type of thanks he prefers. It's the same with other professors and teachers I've had over the years. A dinner invite is also usually a safe bet.

 

Third is to go ahead and purchase a pen. Be aware that even if the school permits gifts, the professor may have a personal reluctance to accept the gift.

 

Either way, do take time to let him know how much he's impacted your life. And congrats on your impending graduation!

[JefferyS]

Faculty teaching in the state college/university system in Louisiana cannot accept gifts or gratuities of any kind. That includes cash, gifts, alcohol, or lunch. Nope, no free lunches from publishers. Private colleges can make their own rules, but to say that small gifts are insignificant when one's household income is $100,000, this is exactly what Lindsay Lohan claimed after shoplifting a $3,500 necklace (that it was pocket change for her, and she could have paid for it without a problem).

 

As I said earlier, the decision is ultimately the student's decision. But I would certainly not advertise to others about giving the gift. It can be very demoralizing to other students who didn't do well in the class and didn't give the professor a gift. Even if it isn't a quid pro quo gift, it is the appearance of impropriety that puts the professor in harm's way, at least in colleges where I have taught. Continued employment at a college is, in large part, based on the lack of controversy. Any issue that can stay out of the Dean's office is a win. And if something does end up in the Dean's office, it is likely to get a "I don't need this s**t" response. Deans and above spend a lot of time putting out fires,

Edited June 21, 2011 by Jeffery Smith

[bassopotamus]

I've been taken to lunch by book reps - one even offered me a nice bag of dope on one occasion. I turned down the latter.

 

I have been given a nice bottle of Scotch and other smaller gifts by grads. None of my colleagues have ever expressed problems with this, no one has ever discussed this as improper, and there is no policy which prohibits it. But you also need to understand that here, at my small liberal arts school, we go way above and beyond the call of duty for our students -- We have very small classes, work closely with them, etc -- and so the relationships often become closer than the normal prof-student relationship. Occasionally they become too close, if you know what I mean -- and those do result in a faculty termination. But firing for a bottle of Scotch? Gimme a break! My household income is north of $100k - does anyone really think that I can be swayed by a gift that cost fifty bucks? And how could I be swayed if all grades are reported, the recommendation letters are sent, and the student has graduated?

 

I feel sorry for anyone who works in a place where such niceties as small gifts from grateful students are prohibited.

 

 

OK, the book rep story is awesome.... I think maybe I should argue the department should pay me more so that I might not be tempted.

[pelman]

I just got a note from one of my former patients. It was one of the best things I could have received. If you can give your teacher a well thought out heart felt response this is all one would want. My humble opinion.

 

Eta: yes, as you can imagine, a lot of regs and norms in my line of work.

Edited June 21, 2011 by pelman

[Chevalier]

I bought this Japanese gel pen for a friend. It's a nice smooth writer, and it is available in 3 colors. I searched the link from manufactum, just in case you are in Germany now.

[Silent Speaker]

Hello Rimdeker,

 

Despite this delightful discussion on the rules, regulations and ethics surrounding student-teacher gift-giving, I shall attempt to offer my own suggestions as per your original request:

 

Are you in Germany?

 

If so, get him a German pen! Also, must it be a ballpoint? I can understand why you might not wish to gift somebody a fountain pen (to each their own I say, but non-users just don't know what they're missing!), but a ballpoint?

 

Far too boring in my own opinion: I suggest a rollerball - smooth like a fountain, less 'ordinary' than the ballpoint. In a word - perfect middle-ground.

 

Yes, MB is pricey - as for alternatives I suggest Pelikan or Lamy.

 

For Pelikan there is for example the R200 - it can be had for approx 90USD (comes in a bunch of colours), or bigger and more expensive, the R400's - these can be had for approx 170USD. I don't know how much these go for in continental europe, nor where one could purchase them, I've merely done a search and plucked these prices from some random net shops.

 

These are pretty classic as far as design goes; can't help with regards to the gothic thing you mentioned I'm afraid.

 

OR

 

Since your teacher is a science teacher, Lamy's offerings are perhaps a bit more 'sciencey' (innovative in materials, and at the time of their release, kinda 'futuristic' in design, though I guess they're not considered anything special this century ).

 

Look at the Lamy 2000 Rollerball (very nice! I'd like to get the fountain for myself sometime - but alas! I fear that after I get one it'll I'll find it too big for my tastes in the end!) - I see that they can be had for <90USD online.

 

For less a cost there is the Lamy safari rollerball: <40USD... I know that Lamy have some models in between these two tiers, but I'm not familiar with them enough to comment.

 

I believe that all the models I've listed come in a ballpoint (urgh..) variation if need be, but at least in the Pelikans' cases, the designs don't look nearly as nice (no cap; instead an ugly taper and obscene clicker).

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

 

If this teacher means enough to you that you wish to give him a gift, yes, a letter would do I think - but if you're compelled to get him a pen, I would recommend any of the above:

 

I think they can all be had for less than a MontyB ballpoint (though honestly I'm not too familiar with street/net prices of those pens); they come from highly esteemed pen makers - with just as glorious a lineage as the fabled snowcap's IMO; most people won't know enough about them to discern their true value and thus rouse any undue suspicion on your teacher if it ever came up (everyone knows MB, like everyone knows Rolex - thus most people, who wouldn't necessarily have any idea when it comes to the pen world, will generally know that MB's cost a lot of money - an MB might attract unwanted attention in the wrong places).

 

On this, I'm sure that if you gifted this teacher of yours a lovely pen, and if he accepted it, I would assume that he'd be intelligent enough not to go parading around campus, after exam results are released, proclaiming that the pen he's brandishing cost so&so euros and who gave it to him and when and where you live and what your favourite icecream flavour is.

 

I would assume that if the situation as far as teacher's gifts are concerned is similar where you are as to where some other posters in the states is, that an intelligent teacher will either not accept a gift, or not go around proclaiming a gift's origin loudly and obnoxiously like the fool described above.

 

This is all if the situation is similar in your country of course.

As for mine, teacher bribing is all too commonplace I'm afraid - and though many an unscrupulous teacher now sports a montblanc ballpoint in their top pocket and perhaps even extra cash (or even a rolex datejust!) in their bank accounts, the tyoical scenario is the principal/dean/chancellor calling up the teacher/lecturer/prof in the middle of the night to demand that he magically change an influential family's scion's fail grade to a pass or find somewhere else to teach - (*sigh. the Aristocracy of Pull indeed... )

 

Happy hunting!

 

I hope you pick something nice!

[RMN]

I don't know about Turkey, but rules in Germany are likely to be similar to those here in the Netherlands. A teacher will be state-employed. As a civil servant he will definitely have rules against taking bribes. Anything beyond a token gift will be considered a possible bribe. He should report the gift to his boss. Probably he would have to return it.

 

I am not a teacher but do work for the government in an advisory role. I had already problems with clients trying to coerce me with the fact that I drank a cup of coffee in their home.

A cup of tee or coffee or such is acceptable but nothing more.

 

 

A token gift like a mug with text "greatest teach" filled with sweets or such would be acceptable, I guess, but nothing more. It is a bit corny, though. So I guess the nice letter will do. And later if you will write a book or dissertation or such, write about the influence he had on you. I think it would be allowed to send him a signed copy of your first book or so.

 

 

D.ick

[Rimdeker]

Why not first ask the university/college whether or not a gift is allowed and if it is, if there are restriction.

 

Second, if allowed, why not ask his colleagues or his spouse or someone else close what kind of gift he would appreciate?

 

Just my $0.02

 

That's actually a pretty good idea, I might contact his wife about this.

 

You've got a couple options. The first is quietly ask another faculty member if there's a restriction on receiving gifts. I'm sure they'd be glad to guide you.

 

Yes, I think that will solve our little mystery. I will have the opportunity to ask other teachers and perhaps even the dean on monday. I will post the results of my little "research" in here.

Thank you for your post.

 

And congrats on your impending graduation!

 

Thanks a lot

 

I bought this Japanese gel pen for a friend. It's a nice smooth writer, and it is available in 3 colors. I searched the link from manufactum, just in case you are in Germany now.

 

That one looks pretty neat, actually...

 

 

Hello Rimdeker,

 

[...]

 

Yes, MB is pricey - as for alternatives I suggest Pelikan or Lamy.

 

For Pelikan there is for example the R200 - it can be had for approx 90USD (comes in a bunch of colours), or bigger and more expensive, the R400's - these can be had for approx 170USD. I don't know how much these go for in continental europe, nor where one could purchase them, I've merely done a search and plucked these prices from some random net shops.

 

These are pretty classic as far as design goes; can't help with regards to the gothic thing you mentioned I'm afraid.

 

OR

 

Since your teacher is a science teacher, Lamy's offerings are perhaps a bit more 'sciencey' (innovative in materials, and at the time of their release, kinda 'futuristic' in design, though I guess they're not considered anything special this century ).

 

Look at the Lamy 2000 Rollerball (very nice! I'd like to get the fountain for myself sometime - but alas! I fear that after I get one it'll I'll find it too big for my tastes in the end!) - I see that they can be had for <90USD online.

 

For less a cost there is the Lamy safari rollerball: <40USD... I know that Lamy have some models in between these two tiers, but I'm not familiar with them enough to comment.

 

[...]

 

Happy hunting!

 

I hope you pick something nice!

 

I hope you do not mind me shortening your quote like that. I appreciate every single line, but it was very long and I thought I might save a bit space. I am in Germany right now and I took a look at the Pelikan pens and I gotta say the R400's looks beautiful and I am thinking about getting one for him and the fountain pen one for myself.

The thing about ballpoint is that I know that he uses one. A rollerball pen would be nice, too but I am not sure how much he's into caps. Currently he is using this crappy ballpoint pen, think it's a rather cheap Lamy one. I think it would be just awesome if I managed to give him a pen that he likes enough to replace his current regular pen. And I'm afraid he won't replace his functional ballpoint pen with a rollerball pen.

[Chevalier]

This could be a problem ...

 

"Der Beamte darf, auch nach Beendigung des Beamtenverhältnisses, keine Belohnungen oder Geschenke in Bezug auf sein Amt annehmen. Ausnahmen bedürfen der Zustimmung der obersten oder der letzten obersten Dienstbehörde. Die Befugnis zur Zustimmung kann auf nachgeordnete Behörden übertragen werden."

 

Vielleicht besteht an der Schule eine interne Regelung der Schulleitung, bis zu welchem geringfügigen Betrag solche Geschenke genehmigt werden, eventuell sogar automatisch ohne ausdrückliche Bitte um Zustimmung in jedem Einzelfall. Dies sollte vorher erfragt werden.

 

Visiting him privately, emphasizing that this is a private gift, might be a workaround. There's no law against considering a teacher a friend. Imagine you couldn't buy your mother anything, just because she's also your teacher (we had this circumstance in our school).

[JefferyS]

Not down in my state. Being the friend (or even lover) of a student doesn't wash. And all we are allowed to accept from a vendor or publisher is bottled water and a piece or two of Domino's pizza at a presentation. Please don't get me wrong, the college/university does not make a determination that a gift that influences a future favorable decision (bribe) or a gift that is given as a result of a favorable decision (kickback) has occurred. The gift could be totally unrelated to the decision. It could be nothing more than a $100 pen, an expensive Scotch, or a mutually-consented roll in the hay. The issue is that it's illegal and could get even a tenured professor fired. To offer such a gift puts him/her at risk. Louisiana is pretty strict, perhaps because accepting gifts has become a way of doing business down here.