Teacher Participation......

[Scurvy]

Just curious, about how much you get involved in your kids school?

I think most posters here, don't. Perhaps if they did, you could see where I'm coming from.

I disagree with you and I've always been very involved with my child's schools. I'm a member of the PTA, I've attended the meetings and worked the fundraisers, I've volunteered in the classrooms, helped with class parties, altered band uniforms, organized art projects, provided classroom supplies, chaperoned countless trips, and done all sorts of other things. I've also been a teacher,so I know both sides. Parent volunteers do what we do for the schools because we want the best for our kids. Sure, the teachers benefit too but we all know that the point of all the fundraising is to get the best things for our kids.

The way I see it, the teachers are already doing their part in the classroom. If they decide to attend any extra events that's great, but there's absolutely no reason they should feel obligated to do so. The parents who choose to help out are doing a great thing, but they shouldn't be adding to the teachers' work loads. Expecting the teachers to "give back" by attending things like school dances is unreasonable. They already give enough every day. While I'm sure they appreciate all the PTA does for the school, they have lives of their own and many of them would rather focus on their own lives than on their students once their work day is done.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Just curious, about how much you get involved in your kids school?

I think most posters here, don't. Perhaps if they did, you could see where I'm coming from.

Well since you asked I have been on the PTA board, I have/do co-chair numerous commitees, I also volunteer for almost every event that the PTA has, I volunteer for class Mom, oh and I attend the PTA meetings and both DH and I are members to name a few things that I do. So I think I have a pretty good idea what you are trying to say. I personally think the events are for the kids to have a good time with their friends. The teachers could come if they wanted to but it is not insulting that they don't want to. They probably want to keep their personal life separate from school/their job. I know that one place that I worked the boss would have these "lunch parties" at her home after work hours. It was expected that you come. I did not want to go. I had other things to do and I really didn't want to hang out. I of course went but I hated every minute of it. It was really nice of her to have it but my time was my time. I wasn't interested in work events outside of work. YMMV.

 

[mamaLori05]

I disagree with you and I've always been very involved with my child's schools. I'm a member of the PTA, I've attended the meetings and worked the fundraisers, I've volunteered in the classrooms, helped with class parties, altered band uniforms, organized art projects, provided classroom supplies, chaperoned countless trips, and done all sorts of other things. I've also been a teacher,so I know both sides. Parent volunteers do what we do for the schools because we want the best for our kids. Sure, the teachers benefit too but we all know that the point of all the fundraising is to get the best things for our kids.

The way I see it, the teachers are already doing their part in the classroom. If they decide to attend any extra events that's great, but there's absolutely no reason they should feel obligated to do so. The parents who choose to help out are doing a great thing, but they shouldn't be adding to the teachers' work loads. Expecting the teachers to "give back" by attending things like school dances is unreasonable. They already give enough every day. While I'm sure they appreciate all the PTA does for the school, they have lives of their own and many of them would rather focus on their own lives than on their students once their work day is done.

well said!!

 

[Lionqueen2]

I consider anything 'after hours' for work to be part of my job. And often I don't do it because it is a relaxed night with adults. I'm not asking the teachers to show up because it's fun (but I think many of them would find it fun). I'm asking them to do so as part of their job. And to show gratitude and support for the organization that purchases so many things for them to make their classrooms better and for making their school a better place to be AND work. Man - I want to work where you do. Every salaried person I know does not get 'extra' pay for after hours things...and often they don't want to be there but are encouraged to do so. Heck - I am in IT and cover an oncall rotation...which means I have to be available to work any hour of the day or night for a week-long at a time on a rotational basis. Lots of after hours work for no extra pay.

And I'm not asking for 'all the time' of COURSE teachers deserve a break. I am asking for a once-in-every-great-while hour or two.

I always thought that any money raised by a parents' organization was for the benefit of the children, not the teacher. I teacher can 'make do' with whatever she is given, but a child's experience can be enhanced with some of the extras that additional dollars can provide. If a teacher should ask an organization for addition funding for a project, remember that the benefits of the project go to the children, not the teacher. I wonder how many of you have asked your children to thank you or show appreciation for the money you raise for them with your various fund raisers.

Also, it is often not easy for teachers to attend functions after hours. Like everyone else, their home time is valuable and they need to try to enhance their children's lives the same way that you are for your children. To them, their families come first in the same way yours do.

It's also unfair to expect a teacher's children to attend a party at someone else's school where they know no other children. That really isn't a fun evening for them watching all the other children having fun with their friends while they wait aside alone perhaps with their mother having to discuss little Johnny's recent reading grade.

I think telling a teacher that she/he should be grateful and show appreciation to parents because the parents are doing something to enhance their children's lives seems a little backwards. These are your children, not the teacher's.

Overall, teachers are very caring people. Most teachers work well beyond the school day and always have your children on their minds. Today's teachers are often unappreciated. They do a good job and work hard to do the best they can for your children.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I wasn't really interested in WHY they didn't attend, I just stated that they didn't. I couldn't care less what they were doing, just asking that they support an organization, that gives them hundreds of dollars, to spend in their classrooms every year.

I really hate to say it but this is such a poor attitude. The PTA isn't giving teachers gift cards to Bloomingdales. They are giving the teachers things to make things better for OUR children! Yes, I am sure they are grateful to have nicer classrooms but at the end of the day the benefit of the PTA is the child. It is not the adults and it shouldn't be. If it was just so the teachers could go shopping I can bet that you wouldn't have any volunteers. They support the organization by paying their membership and by taking the kids to cultural art specials during the school day even when it interrupts teaching time as an example.

 

[okeydokey]

Just curious, about how much you get involved in your kids school?

I think most posters here, don't. Perhaps if they did, you could see where I'm coming from.

How condescending.

 

[mamaLori05]

I always thought that any money raised by a parents' organization was for the benefit of the children, not the teacher. I teacher can 'make do' with whatever she is given, but a child's experience can be enhanced with some of the extras that additional dollars can provide. If a teacher should ask an organization for addition funding for a project, remember that the benefits of the project go to the children, not the teacher. I wonder how many of you have asked your children to thank you or show appreciation for the money you raise for them with your various fund raisers.

Also, it is often not easy for teachers to attend functions after hours. Like everyone else, their home time is valuable and they need to try to enhance their children's lives the same way that you are for your children. To them, their families come first in the same way yours do.

It's also unfair to expect a teacher's children to attend a party at someone else's school where they know no other children. That really isn't a fun evening for them watching all the other children having fun with their friends while they wait aside alone perhaps with their mother having to discuss little Johnny's recent reading grade.

I think telling a teacher that she/he should be grateful and show appreciation to parents because the parents are doing something to enhance their children's lives seems a little backwards. These are your children, not the teacher's.

Overall, teachers are very caring people. Most teachers work well beyond the school day and always have your children on their minds. Today's teachers are often unappreciated. They do a good job and work hard to do the best they can for your children.

Could not have said it better myself!! Exactly how I feel!!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I guess I am just confused, at why asking 4-5 teachers to show up at an after school function and have some fun, with or without their own children is too much to ask. The reason we didn't ask them to be in charge of anything, is so they could enjoy themselves. Perhaps, just have a little "fun" with their students and their families without such a structured environment, such as in the classroom.

I have to address this. Maybe it isn't fun for them. I would have no desire to go to a Halloween event geared towards children without my own children there. I also would not want my own children at my workplace parties if I was a teacher. It is not fun. It is still work. Just because it is after hours doesn't mean they are your friends. They still have to be "on." They are stil Mr. or Mrs. so and so. They are not going to want to socialize with you and your kids. I have great relationships with the teachers and we talk about all kinds of stuff but I don't expect them to come to a say Halloween event just because they can't wait to see how cute my kids look. YMMV.

 

[LuvLDM]

Not necessary.

Actually I think it WAS necessary to point out the obvious *It's NONE of your business*
Not sure why you found that offensive

 

[hentob]

Relationship building, is done in the classroom but is also done through many "extra" activities.

Says who? The teacher spends hours and hours with your child Monday-Friday. I think she has put in her relationship building time.

It is ok that a teacher "take a break" from the 20+ kids she is with constantly.

Just curious, about how much you get involved in your kids school?

I think most posters here, don't.

What makes you assume this? It is quite presumptuous of you.

 

[Mkrop]

Just curious, about how much you get involved in your kids school?

I think most posters here, don't. Perhaps if they did, you could see where I'm coming from.

From someone highly involved in their child's school, I am even on the Marketing Committee for our private school, I dont see where you are coming from at all.

Teachers have their own familiy and friends to consider. Instead of attending these things maybe they had to pick their DD from softball, see their DS in a play, take the kids for flu shots, help an elderly parent, or just go home and take a nap!!!!!

Our teachers are great and they do try to come to some things. DS13's teacher recently came to the boys football game since that game was actually near her home. Very nice but not necssary. I am sure she had other things to do on a Sat afternoon.

Many teachers also get bombarded at these things to talk about little Johnny and never really get to particpate in the acitivity because Johhny's mom wont let them.

It is nice for teachers to show up but I would not judge them for not.

 

[JackJack08]

Personally I don't see anything 'offensive' about the tone of any of the OP's posts. Quite the opposite actually (unless she was feeling alittle offended herself by some reply). It really is in how YOU choose to read someone's words.

OP....I gotta hand it to you. You are really hanging in here on this one. FWIW....many here understand exactly where you are coming from and completely agree. No you didn't ask for an itinerary, you didn't say you wanted ALL of them to come to EVERY event, you didn't say teacher's were overpaid, you didn't say you didn't care that they had other obligations etc. etc. etc. But it doesn't really matter what you say. Those who've decided they don't like what you are saying and pick apart your words aren't 'listening' anyway. Been there, done that

(edited to add: Keep in mind that just because you aren't getting alot of public support on this thread doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It's a known DIS fact that those who 'disagree' are generally the ones who are the most vocal and seem to have the greatest need to be heard )

Thanks for the backup!! I have broad shoulders!!!

I was also thinking where are they getting this stuff....I didn't say that!! I also don't expect them to volunteer. Just to come out and have some fun, and support the cause! There was no work for them to do....we were totally covered for chaperones.

 

[bwilcox]

At the school I taught at, there were 3-4 teachers on each grade level. One teacher from each grade level was expected to attend PTO meetings and fundraisers. In this way, we could take turns and only had to go to 1 out of every 4 events, but the teachers at the school were still represented. Also, when we attended something extra like that, our principal gave us a coupon to wear jeans one day, which was a fun little reward. Maybe the OP could suggest something like this to the principal.
Teachers do have families, too. I hated the days when it was my turn to go to PTO meeting because after being at school all day, I had just enough time to pick my kids up from daycare, drop them off with my DH, and then head BACK to school. They were often in bed by the time I got home. Something to keep in mind.
ETA: The above is the reason I decided to quit teaching and stay home with my kids.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

Thanks for the backup!! I have broad shoulders!!!

I was also thinking where are they getting this stuff....I didn't say that!! I also don't expect them to volunteer. Just to come out and have some fun, and support the cause! There was no work for them to do....we were totally covered for chaperones.

I just think you need to consider that what may seem "fun" for the parents with kids in the school often ends up being an extension of work for the teachers who attend, whether meant deliberately or not. I know that my mom was a teacher and she could barely get through a grocery store without a parent of one of her kids stopping her for "just a question" much less a school related function. Calls nights, weekends, the works. My mom loved teaching, but she also had other responsibilities including her own family and all the school events for her own kids, her own charities that she chose to support, her own parent teacher organizations for her kids' schools and her own causes she worked for.

I appreciate what the teachers do for my kids every single day as part of their job and beyond, and I am not even slightly upset if their personal time does not include attending more events at the school.

 

[JackJack08]

Would you show up if your kids were not there?

If I was not a parent/grandparent/guardian/teacher of a child there, I would have no business being there. It's a safety issue if you think about it.

 

[daisyduck123]

Thanks for the backup!! I have broad shoulders!!!

I was also thinking where are they getting this stuff....I didn't say that!! I also don't expect them to volunteer. Just to come out and have some fun, and support the cause! There was no work for them to do....we were totally covered for chaperones.

Would you attend the event if your own children were not there?

 

[JackJack08]

Says who? The teacher spends hours and hours with your child Monday-Friday. I think she has put in her relationship building time.

It is ok that a teacher "take a break" from the 20+ kids she is with constantly.



What makes you assume this? It is quite presumptuous of you.

I said relationship building IS DONE, in the classrroom as well as extra activities.

Whatever....we will all agree to disagree. It is just so funny to me, how people are so rude. People can't disagree with each other, without someone throwing in snide remarks. Little extras come with any job, teaching or not.......

 

[JackJack08]

Would you attend the event if your own children were not there?

Silly question.

 

[daisyduck123]

Silly question.

No, it's not.

Our students are not OUR children. Why would you expect us to want to attend a "family" event when we have families of our own that we want to spend time with?

 

[mdsoccermom]

Thanks for the backup!! I have broad shoulders!!!

I was also thinking where are they getting this stuff....I didn't say that!! I also don't expect them to volunteer. Just to come out and have some fun, and support the cause! There was no work for them to do....we were totally covered for chaperones.

And people have given you umpteen reasons why a teacher may not come out and "have some fun" as you think it is. Also, what is fun for you may not be fun for them.