Are you wondering what to get for the Latin teacher in your life? The CANEns editors have rounded up some gift ideas for teachers of Latin and Classics.

Lydia Haile Fassett: Teaches Latin and Classics to grades 4-8 at a small independent school

• Last year, when my school started offering a lunch program, the Parents’ Association gave us each a gift certificate for a lunch. It was so nice not to have to pack my lunch one day when I’d been at school late for meetings.
• A non-transparent mug or water bottle. I drink mint or ginger tea while I’m teaching, and putting the mug up to my face to take a sip lets me build a natural pause into the class so a student can think or self-correct. This doesn’t work too well with a clear, empty container.
• More whiteboard markers. If the school supplies them, they’re all the same color or there’s an irritating requisition form or they’re not the right brand. Getting one of those big sets is a luxury.
• Review and Test Preparation Guide for the Beginning Latin Student This book is great for getting a new student up to speed or looking for a clear new way to explain a concept.
• A good ice scraper. Being able to scrape your car quickly before the drive makes the whole day go better.
• And a bonus. I’m the editor of CANEPress, the publishing arm of CANE, and we have a lot of downloads (like 28 Games or Games in the Latin Classroom) that would be great for Latin teachers. We also have printed books, like Latin: How to Read It Fluently and English Derivatives from Greek and Latin Roots.

Emily Lewis: Teaches Latin to grades 9-12 at a large public school

• Coffee or tea. Yes, this sounds like a cop-out, but we LOVE it!
• StoryCubes–I love these things more than you can possibly say!!
• Anything from AnimaAltera–Cool Latin wear and housewares!  🙂
• Make your favorite Latin teacher their very own Rota set.
• Whiteboards, Markers, and Erasers.  I feel like we eat through Markers…and there are never enough erasers.
• Gift card to the Apple App Store–to furnish every Latin teacher’s iPad brilliantly! 🙂

Ben Revkin: Teaches Latin to grades 9-12 at a medium public school

• A thank you note. It may sound corny or trite, but a heartfelt note means so much more to me (and every teacher in existence) than any material object ever could.
• A Latin adaptation of modern novels or comics, like “Hobbitus Ille” or “Asterix.” These are fun to read for student and teacher alike. A full list is available here.
• Looking at Latin. This is a wonderful illustrated grammar resource that many students find fun and easy to understand.
• Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World. For map geeks like me, this looks awesome. You could get the print version for $395 (!!!) or the iPad app for $19.
• Props. I love acting out scenes and getting my students involved, too. Stuffed animals, dolls, action figures, clothing, masks, wigs, common objects, fake weapons (the faker the better – Nerf sword!), backdrops, fabric, paper, and craft supplies all help create an enjoyable and memorable experience.
• Your (the student’s) enthusiasm for Latin. Euge!

TJ: Teaches Greek and Latin to grades 9-12 at a small public school

• Stickers! Kids of all ages love them, and there are even Latin ones available from Applause Learning or the UK-based Language Stickers.
• A laser pointer and Powerpoint slide advancer. I’m a fan of the Targus presenters.
• My classroom could always use a few more sets of Bananagrams, a great Scrabble-like game that is a light-hearted way to explore students’ vocabulary.
• Can a Classics teacher really ever have too many Loebs? Or maybe something from the I Tatti Renaissance Library?
• A nice pen can’t ever go wrong! I found a Franklin Covey nib pen at Staples for less than $30, and not only does it write well but I’m always getting oohs and aahs from people when I pull it out.