We have two teacher reps and they act as the liason between PTO and the teachers. They are great--they help us plan stuff and get teachers to volunteer at our events. And most of our teachers are great about volunteering because they know whatever money they help raise will benefit them and their classrooms.

Now having said that, we do have some teachers who do not participate for various reasons (or participate reluctantly: families, politics, whatever. Their contract states they have to participate in 1 school event each year (not necessarily PTO) and some do just that and no more. It's hard to change the mindset of people who do the bare minimum.

So think about what you want: do you want teachers at every meeting? Why? Or do you need them to volunteer at events? I'm big on communication. If you communicate your needs to them and they don't respond, well, that is just going to be fewer events and less money raised--which ultimately hurts them professionally--although I would put this to them in a more positive and diplomatic way.

I don't think I would officially tie participation to granting their monetary requests, but in my mind, you bet I'm going to be more willing to help the teacher who really worked hard to earn that money for PTO.

Our teachers can wear jeans (or dress down) whenever they please...we would have to find some other angle. -- mybe we could bring em coffee and donuts for brkfst at aschool, if they attended the previous days meeting...."come to the WHOLE pto meeting, get a donut HOLE" or 'greetings for meetings', (attend a meeting and get breakfast greeting delivered to your classroom door the next mornign).
All facetious of course, one would hope the teachers are intrinsically motivated to attend meetings when they are able (just like we paretns dont aslways attend. in fact, if I take the parent attendance rate, I couldnt expect more than ONE teacher to attend --maybe we parents set the example of non attendance our very selves. Many of those on these BBs have said very few if any (non board memebr) parents attend meetings....I would hope that those are not the same ones that would like to see more teachers involved! IF thats the case, then its a more general isssue to be addressed, and not focused exclusively on the staff -- ie get more parents involved in meetings (find out why therye not attending ---- survey them?), and maybe the teachers will come too once theres motivation and participation all around.

Hey, Great topic! We took a method I read in an old PTO issue...If you come to a meeting your child can wear jeans the next day...and use it for the teachers,,,If the teacher comes to the meeting then they also get to wear jeans the next day. Teachers love it and have jumped on board. You need to sell your administration on the idea.

Good Luck

We are recovering from a year long battle with former Admin that did everthing they could do to keep teachers away. What they didn't anticipate are the relationships many of us have made with them! What I mean by that is the simple fact many of us moms have gotten to know teachers on a different level and become great friends. That's where communication begins! From there builds trust and knowledge that those PTO moms are cool gals and we can talk to them about anything. Well, everything but contracts.....

Here's the kicker, I know every teacher or at least all the Dept. Heads but never ask where they were on meeting night but tease them how they missed a fun meeting! Okay, yeah...it's kinda gossipy but would you bore someone with former details or joke about outragous details they know are silly.

I don't ask for more than their support. The door is always open if they have time to lend a hand but otherwise, I ask for their support...period. Plus they all know, I'll scratch their back if they can scratch mine.

Oh yeah...all teachers and staff are members (with or with out children) per the by-laws with no dues owed.

Actually, I have gone to the staff and asked them to join. Four staff members joined (one was the principal) We even reduced their rates.

We may be in an uphill battle against the dreaded 'ghosts of PTO past'...which some posative PR should eventually crack through.

Or, it may be a case of sour administrative attitudes. I hope not, as that's much tougher to cure.

Okay, y'all, I have to give my two cents here...As our PTO Pres. for our second year, and as the one that got our PTO started this past year, AND being a first grade teacher, I don't think it is too much to ask that the teachers be somewhat involved. Do I think they need to attend the meetings? Quite honestly, no. Knowing how much we put into planning lessons (I truly don't know of a single teacher that only works during school hours), I don't ask much from the teachers unless it is something really needed. I remind them at every faculty meeting what PTO stands for and yes, we are a PTO not a PO. Lord knows I did not start the PTO because I had lots of extra time on my hands...I wanted our school to feel more like a community and have parents and teachers working towards a common goal - our children's education.

Being new, we have not had a lot of requests from teachers yet, nor do we give the teachers a stipend for the class. Thankfully our county has given every teacher a very small amount each year, although not nearly enough to cover what I spend on my class. I don't really think it's fair to "give" money to teachers to use on their classrooms and then expect them to come to meetings or to be the first to volunteer for an event. Remember, it is given as a gift to the teachers to be used on OUR children.

As for sending notes home, whether weekly, daily, whatever, this is something that teachers do constantly...and not just for PTO. Yes, it can be a royal pain in the tush (sp?), but most of us do it. If you absolutely have to have something sent home on a certain day because of something happening that night, maybe you could try to get it to the teachers a day earlier. Sometimes, and I'm not saying this is always the case, but sometimes, teachers have a lot going on at the end of the day (especially Fridays) and forget to stuff our darlings' backpacks with yet another note.

If you need to reach the teachers at your school, you may ask to be added to the school's intranet if it has one. A lot of times I simply email the entire faculty if there is something important I want them to know about. Just remember to keep it short (unlike this message ) or they may not read it.

QueenBee - If you really need the teachers' help for something, ask them. Be specific about what you need, especially time. Also, just like with volunteers, if you allow them to buddy up with another teacher or parent they're comfortable with, you're more likely to get their help.

By the way, has anyone attempted to talk to the entire faculty about "your" needs? Just a thought.

Okay, I think I've said enough.
Deb