PTO Today

We have a diiferent problem with our PTO. Several of the mom's have ben referring to it lately as the "PO", missing the "T". They are not wrong. We have some major issues getting our teachers involved with any of our activities, fundraisers are worse, but they don't help much with the fun activities much either. We have spoken to the new principal (the 3rd one in 3 years) and asked him to intervene on the PTO's behalf to try and get more teacher involvement. Don't get me wrong, the teachers are always very appreciative of the things we do, we get a lot of thank you's, but we still need more involvement from them. Any suggestions as to how to approach them? I was thinking of saying something at a teacher's breakfast we do for them before the school year starts? I don't think sending a letter would work. I would appreciate any suggestions!

Two to three years ago our PTO had almost no teacher involvement. Last year was my first year as President and I had a good relationship with one of the teachers and just asked her to be the Teacher Representative. I think asking someone is the key...they won't just volunteer. At our meetings, we always had the one teacher, who had a report representing all the teachers, the principal and about 8(sometimes more) moms in addition to the officers. Sometimes we also had the librarian. At our functions, explain to the teachers in detail what is going on. At my first event, a reading night, ALL of the teachers and aides came! They didn't interact a bunch but just having them there meant a lot.

It's been mentioned before that you can't expect teachers to attend the events that much because they do so much for the children during the day and "have a life" too. Unless they have plans on that particular night I don't see why more teachers can't show up for an hour. Try to make your events new and exciting, not just the same old stuff. Again, as long as you get a teacher to give a teacher's report and get their input I think you'll be fine. Sorry this was so long, hope it helps.