As a teacher and the PTO Pres. this past year, I can honestly say that many teachers got a little put off when originally asked to do anything "extra" since their main focus is, and should be, educating our kids. However, I think one thing that helped is to have a sense of humor and to have at least one teacher that is able to speak to the teachers (either at faculty meetings or through the school email, if your school has it) so that the teachers are aware of what you are doing/planning and how it will benefit them AND more importantly their students. This year I offered to tap dance for anyone willing to agree to sponsor a basket for our fall festival - several teachers took me up on it. At our faculty meetings I was able to take a few minutes, with our principal's permission, and tell them what was going on or what a success the last activity was and thank them somehow for making it possible.

We did not require a teacher rep from each grade level, although I've already been told this year that several grade levels have decided amongst themselves that they will have one this year and have told me who to get in touch with (that's a HUGE step for us).

Lots of communication and a sense of humor is what I'd recommend.

Deb

We focused on gaining the teacher's assistance (and recognizing them for that help) on PTO events and the day-to-day items like seeing materials got sent home or money collected in their classroom. Aside from the teacher reps on our Board, we never expected Teachers to attend PTO meetings.

A lot of activities were almost transparent as to ownership even though technically the PTO "owned" them. We focused on the school or our partnership with the school.

The principal's support helps. Our elementary school principal set clear expectations about general assistance plus each teacher was expected to sign up for one shift on the annual Spring Fling. Our middle school principal has added to his campus plan that each teacher will attend at least one PTO meeting per year.

I really liked the Spring Fling plan. Everyone was expected to help and everyone did. If someone had a reason they truly couldn't attend and work a shift that night, they signed for an advance task or maybe helping with thank you notes afterward. On the other hand they weren't "required" to work every PTO event that came along all year (although many voluntarily help).

I think working with your principal to set manageable expectations for involvement, good communication with the teachers, and an emphasis on the benefits derived helps.

When something (an activity, a fundraiser, an fieldtrip, etc.) is perceived as a success and the teachers get some credit towards having been a part of it, it tends to generate goodwill for future events.

[ 06-27-2006, 05:50 PM: Message edited by: JHB ]

Our president isn't really liked among some of our teachers, so I feel that is keeping them away from getting involved anyone have any ideas....