I bribed my students to make better grades!

I do not recommend this. I am not saying that it is right. How ever some of y'all are wanting more "solutions." <br><br>I've been teaching since 2010. I am a single mom of 1 other than my work family. I work at home. I make very little, and this year I've even had to cut my hours so that I could be present in the lives of my kiddo. Despite all of this, I do a ton of stuff for all of my students- help them on their projects, attend their events, make them goody bags. <br><br>I have a student who I have had since she was in fourth grade. She was a little rough around the edges, but she always has been a very sweet girl. She's an only child, and is raised by her father, who works a ton. You can tell his job has taken a toll on him. Sometimes I think he's a bit absent because he's so tired. She's a very lonely, naive, sweet child who could be very smart if she tried.<br><br>I asked her why her grades were so bad. She said she doesn't like school because it's boring, and that she doesn't have a reason to work hard. My husband and I considered taking my husband's old car to her. But, we both thought that was a terrible idea. I didn't want her to get a car for poor grades. Then, my husband, my angel, had the idea of bribing her. I had done this with my son when he was going through a hard time- I offered him $100 to get a good report card. He got a good report card.<br><br>I asked my husband if he thought that would work. I only make $23,000 a year. If I were to give her $100, I would have to take a hard hit to my wallet, but it might be enough to get her to learn. I told her if she brought up all her grades she would get $100. And if she kept them up through the end of the semester, she would get $100 more. <br><br>Her dad said she'd get $100 more if she kept her grades up. <br><br>Her grades improved tremendously. I had so much pride in her. I never thought there was a problem with her in the first place. The principal has noticed her grades have improved and is incredibly proud of her. I am so proud of her. And more importantly, her Dad is proud of her. <br><br>Her Dad thanked me. He said that it has made their lives better, and that he can now spend more time with her. And she's done better in her regular classes as well. <br><br>It worked. I can't say that it will work again, but it worked. <br><br>I know this is not the right thing to do. I should not have bribed her. My husband should not have bribed my son. I do not condone this behavior. But sometimes, in the moment, when you care about someone or something you'll do just about anything.