QueenBee- one reason I have found for the teachers not joining the PTO is time - or the lack there of - they don't want to have to stay late to attend a meeting. Who can blame them. We only have one teacher rep from each grade level that comes to the meetings. They are appointed or volunteered at the Open House in the beginning of the school year. I don't beleive that all the teachers should have to come unless it's a REALLY important meeting. Then, you just have to get out there and ask them to come and support the PTO. They normally do/would. I don't plan on any other teachers coming to the meetings other than the teacher reps. I am perfectly happy w/ those who show! If someone needs something or has a concern, they will be there.
As far as the money goes, we give $100.00 to the teachers for their class rooms just like everyone else. It IS only used for items for the children.
Our principals asked our PTO board to tell them what specific involvement we'd like to see from the teachers. That's a very good question to ponder.
We decided that on time paper distribution (to and from the students) is a biggie.
Joining the PTO
And teacher reps on committees or at meetings where we feel their input would be valued.
Let's face it...they're called 'BORED' meetings for a reason [img]smile.gif[/img] I don't even expect our general members to attend unless they really want to (always invited, but never expected
But I DO like to see our PTO support evening events where the teachers and parents will be already. It's a great opportunity to chat up parents and teachers about the upcoming events and specific areas where we need help...I would rather have people doing what appeals to them than sitting in a meeting and hearing the budget report drone on.
The money that our PTO gives to the teachers is an investment in their classroom. It is not a personal gift.
The employees of the school shouldn't expect or demand said 'gift'.
Also, why would a teacher NOT join a professional organization that is committed to supporting them, building a sense of community among parents and staff, and funding special events/purchases?
It's all in the attitude...from both sides. No snotty givers please, and no ungrateful recipients either.
Its once again, people doing things for the wrong reason (they expect something in return).
Not unlike the 'volunteers' that think Perks are OK or even deserved/expected.
And, lets not forget the salaries the teachers earn, surely we cant expect them to pay out of pocket for things the school fund cant or wont supply?
We parents are here to help. With no strings attached. That IS the meaning of a GIFT.
I find it ironic, some bemoan the monies donated to 'ungrateful' staff, and lo and behold, look at the kind of money those same parents spend on discretionary items for class parties and goodie bags offered to the kids by the parents , each one easily surpasses the YEARLY allotment of monies we give them for class supplies.
Wow! I'm a little disappointed by some of the comments on here. Why are there so many PTOs complaining that they have "given" money to the teachers, but the teachers aren't coming to meetings? HELLO...The money is used on the kids and the classrooms. No one has said you have to give it to the teachers. The children will still certainly get an education, but the parents...YOU...will be asked to send in the supplies using money from your own pockets. Some of you (and it seems to be only a handful) seem to think the teachers should be extremely thankful that you are willing to "give" them money for things that are needed to add to your child's education. If you feel like the teachers are being ungrateful for not showing up to the meetings simply because you've given them money for their classrooms, then you have given the money for the wrong reasons. By the way, don't forget that these same teachers are the ones taking their valuable time to purchase those items he/she feels are needed in the classroom.
Since when did a gift require reimbursement?! Shouldn't a simple thank you be enough?
We serve two schools with one PTO group. One principal encourages the teachers to join PTO as a professional organization that comes with their career choice, but she doesn't require any type of participation in events. The other principal required teacher participation and does not encourage membership, as she is against the dues (only $5). Funny, but the school who is the MOST positive, thankful, and supportive is the one that is not required to work our events! We have asked that the other school follow suit and not require participation. The membership dues will stand, as the PTO is indeed a professional organization of concerned and caring parents and teachers. That's the only group I want 100% of! We welcome any feedback from teachers, but give extra attention to feedback from our members (teachers or parents).
Another idea for volunteers: local high-school clubs often require 'community service hours', so we've let parents and teachers off the hook almost entirely by tapping into this valuable resource! Just be sure to book your volunteers early in the year, as their hours get filled up fast. Be sure to have signed slips for them to take back to their club to prove their hours, and we try to offer them snacks. They usually have as much fun as the kids, and it leaves our events open for real family time!
P.S. there are some grammer issues on these boards...geez louise! [img]smile.gif[/img]
