The ongoing discussion about gifting teachers in UAE private schools has emerged once again, as parents and educators deliberate if these acts are genuine showings of gratitude or breaches of policy.
This topic gained attention when the Ministry of Education (MoE) pointed out in its updated professional and behavioural standards that accepting gifts from parents or students is classified as a second-level violation.
Nevertheless, the tradition persists in many private school classrooms. Typically, a class parent, after getting approval from others, gathers contributions to purchase gift cards for teachers during celebrations like Eid, Diwali, Christmas, or as year-end tokens. While the contribution amounts are not always specified, some students choose to give personal gifts to their favorite teachers.
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Upholding professional boundaries
Head teachers underline the delicate balance between a gesture of appreciation and an unethical incentive.
Abhilasha Singh, Principal of Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi, stated, “We have a strict code of conduct regarding gifts from parents. Teachers are instructed not to accept gifts or tokens from parents to maintain professional relationships and prevent any sense of obligation, which could be exploited.
The school’s policy is explicit: accepting gifts of substantial value, like bags, jewelry, or other costly items, violates this code. Even I adhere to this rule; if a child presents me with such a gift, I kindly return it.”
However, she mentioned that small tokens of appreciation from children, such as a single rose, a small bouquet, a chocolate bar, or a handwritten card, are permissible. “These are expressions of love and appreciation that don’t compromise professional integrity,” she commented.
Singh added that her staff are well aware of these limits, and any infraction could result in disciplinary action, possibly termination, based on the gift’s nature and value. “Fortunately, this has never been an issue. Our teachers not only adhere to the school’s code of conduct but also uphold their personal integrity, professionalism, and ethics. They are fully conscious of boundaries with parents, ensuring a healthy, professional relationship at all times.”
Alternative expressions of gratitude
To avoid confusion, many schools now promote alternative ways to express gratitude. Group class cards, PTA-organized initiatives, and awareness campaigns help parents understand the rules without feeling slighted. These efforts maintain professional boundaries while allowing students to express gratitude meaningfully.
Shiny Davison, Principal of Woodlem Park School Hamidiya in Ajman, emphasized that their school policies specify that teachers can only accept non-monetary tokens of value.
“Items of monetary or significant value are prohibited,” she said. “Teachers receive reminders through staff meetings and HR circulars. Appropriate gestures include flowers, small crafts, or appreciation letters. If a gift crosses into unethical territory, it is politely declined, reported to administration, and addressed with the involved parents to ensure transparency and compliance.”
‘About gratitude’
Many parents see gifting as a way to show appreciation rather than obligation. “I don’t mind contributing to a collective gift or gift card for teachers at the end of the school year as a token of appreciation, which is common at my child’s school,” shared Sofía Martínez (name changed upon request), noting that the total amount collected is often substantial.
“I’ve also observed that some children choose to give something extra to their favorite teacher. Ultimately, it depends on the student or parent, and the school’s policies on what and how much a teacher can accept from a student,” the Spanish expat added.
Another parent, Karen Fernandes (name changed upon request), had a different view. “Holiday gifts, like a small Christmas present, are a nice tradition. I always tell my children it’s about appreciation, not obligation.”
She added, “However, I once saw parents collecting money mid-year when a teacher had a baby, in addition to the usual festive and end-of-year gifts. That seemed a bit much to me. But who am I to judge? What matters most is that participation remains optional for the students.”
