Apples for Teachers

Apples are traditional presents for teachers in the United States, Sweden and Denmark. People commonly see apples as a symbol of appreciation from students and parents to teachers.

In their book, Not Another Apple for the Teacher, Erin Barrett and Jack Mingo has the answer to a common question :  Why do most people associate apples with teachers?: “Giving an apple to the teacher as a symbolic gesture came from a time when American teachers were often paid in the farm goods by cash-poor townspeople. It was not easy to be a teacher, many had to take after hour jobs….. Of all the farm goods once given to teachers, why has it become ‘an apple for the teacher’ instead of an egg, a tomato, a sack of wheat or hamhock? After extensive we can say with relative certainty, that nobody seems to know. Here are some educated guesses :  

Apples are cheaper and can be eaten without any preparation. They can also be given in the morning an will not go bad by the end of the school day.

Students are wishing teachers good health, as in the one apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Apples and education are linked in the public mind because of a bible story…..”

In our opinion, teaching is the most important profession in the world.  Teachers pass on knowledge, they spent so much time with our children, they become one of our family’s member. They are important role models. Being a teacher is hard, they carry so much on their shoulders. They deserve the best, and the best gifts.