How can I say Thank-you to a professor?

[Laura77598]

Hello Nurse Educators,

I am an awkward spot that I really don't know how to navigate. I have this Anatomy teacher, who also taught my Microbiology class. HE IS GREAT!!!!! He has been teaching for 25+ years at this college. He is CUTE too! robably about 55 or so...

Anyway He gave me an extra point on my final grade (GASP, HORROR!!) not for any reason, other than he really doesn't do borderline grades. No 89s, No 79s, No 69s. I am not complaining (Obviously) as it may make the difference as to whether I get into our nursing program or not. I am truly grateful for this extra point, and I hope no one judges him or me for this. What I really want to know is: How do I say thank-you? I never solicited this or asked him to help me in this way, but now that he has, I feel like I should do something for him. Perhaps a gift card 50-75 $ to an office supply store? A gift card to a local restaraunt? MONEY in a thank you card? I am really at a loss here, because I really don't know what is appropriate and what would be considered insulting or inappropriate. I feel like college educators probably are not paid a decent amount for the work they do, but I also do not know how to respond correctly (without causing an awkward scenario) to adequately say thank-you. His wife also works at that college, not that this makes a difference, but How do students (especially students of the opposite gender) show appreciation to a male professor without insulting a male ego, or making more of the gesture than need be. I really like this professor, and I do not want any adverse situations to arise because I overdid my THank-you. Remember when we were all kids and we just gave our teachers plants, flowers, candles, or maybe a gift certificate to a local restaraunt? Any advice or meaningful gifts you have received would really be appreciated-especially you MEN INSTRUCTORS. I teally don't want to convey the wrong impression to anyone, but I do want to express my gratitude and appreciation in a way that would be appreciated by the Long-time married MALE professor. How do you tell a teacher thank-you without insulting or overstepping?

Thanks again for any input,

A grateful Student

[ginger58, ASN, RN]

I think a nice simple, handwritten thank you note is appropriate. I'm not sure he would be able to accept money and it may put him in an awkward position. Sounds like there are a few emotions here.

[Testa Rosa, RN]

I usually give my better teachers--the ones who really made an impact on me--a handmade card with a short note and a $10-$20 gift card from the local coffee store. We have a Peets Coffee on campus, which makes it an obvious choice.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

No money, especially $50-70!!!!! It could get both of you in trouble.

A handwritten thank you note would be my choice.

[llg, PhD, RN]

No money! That would be totally inappropriate and give the appearance of a bribe and/or some unprofessional emotions/behavior. His kind gesture was just that -- a kind gesture -- say "thank you" and move on. Don't compromise yourself or him by being anything but professional about it.

1. You might write a short (not gushy) note thanking him for his kindness and for being a great teacher in general. Say that you would highly recommend to others that they take his class (or something along those lines).

2. Fill out your course evaluation form promptly and with positive professional (not gushy) comments.

Anything more would be unprofessional and inappropriate -- and might get him in trouble if discovered. University faculty do not expect (should not expect) "gifts" from individual students under normal circumstances.

An exception to the gift-giving rule might be something like -- a seminar group going out to dinner to celebrate the end of the semester and picking up the tab for the instructor or something like that.

[ceecel.dee, MSN, RN]

MONEY?!?

No. That certainly is not why he did it.

He does not do it for "thanks", so keep your thank-you simple.

[zinn]

score good marks in anatomy and microbiology this could be a good way of saying thanks,afterall a teacher always wants that their students perform well in studies.NO MONEY PLZ.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

A card would be appreciated and more professional.

[VIXEN007]

I would just write a professional thank you card that mentions a point or two that you learned in the class and how it will be helpful to your pursuit of a nursing degree. I would not mention the extra point. On the last day of class, you could bring an inexpensive pen/pencil set. You can get them for less than 10 bucks at target or an office store.

[Praise,RN]

I would reccomend just accepting the grade and preparing for your next class. Since you already feel unease about it, just let it go.

[Alloramadai]

I gave special professors a dark pink rose and a handwritten thank you card.

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

No money! That would be totally inappropriate and give the appearance of a bribe and/or some unprofessional emotions/behavior. His kind gesture was just that -- a kind gesture -- say "thank you" and move on. Don't compromise yourself or him by being anything but professional about it.

1. You might write a short (not gushy) note thanking him for his kindness and for being a great teacher in general. Say that you would highly recommend to others that they take his class (or something along those lines).

2. Fill out your course evaluation form promptly and with positive professional (not gushy) comments.

Anything more would be unprofessional and inappropriate -- and might get him in trouble if discovered. University faculty do not expect (should not expect) "gifts" from individual students under normal circumstances.

An exception to the gift-giving rule might be something like -- a seminar group going out to dinner to celebrate the end of the semester and picking up the tab for the instructor or something like that.

:yeahthat:

This advice is just perfect! I can't improve on it at all!