Definitely some confusion!

When I say there is 100% teacher participation, I don't mean 100% of the teachers show up at the meetings...I mean that 100% of them join the PTO. For us, to participate means to contribute in a financial way. Our parents are in full control of the group, though teachers, of course, do get a vote. We rarely have teachers show up at meetings though. Last year they came to do a presentation to our group, because they were looking to get a new language curriculum funded in part by us.

I think there's a bit of a misunderstanging going on here. Teacher involvement is not only good but necessary. However, the point that I think is trying to be made is that PTO/A is the one true area where parents should feel they have the majority vote and control.

Principals lead the school. Teachers run their own classrooms. Parents should control the parent group.

At my son's school the teachers see this as the parents' arena. They send reps to the meeting who are effective liasons. They gladly support our efforts through the backpack express, fundraising announcements, etc. They more than meet the need for volunteers at events. But when it comes to the monthly meetings, day to day management and major decision making, they leave it up to the parents. It's their way of showing their respect for the role we play in the community.

Originally posted by bnatera:
This may sound pretty weird but it's true. I'm a teacher and many teachers don't sign up because they
want parents to feel welcome and in control. Some parents tend to feel out numbered if there's too many teachers and not enough parents. I've actually heard the principal tell teachers not to have a higher number than parents for the very reason I mentioned above. I know it doesn't make sense but it's true.

Gosh, that's a pretty sad day when you can't get more parents than teachers to join...can't even imagine it! The board is made up of parents already...how much more control do you really need?

bnatera - i think it all depends on attitude and demeanor and all the non tangibles of contributing to the meeting.

simply having a high teahcer presence , one that out numbers parents even, would not be a negative in MY book. it might even be a HUGE positive.

i would WELCOME more direct interatcions with teachers and hearing them and learning their perspective and wants and needs insofar as school life is concerned.

we parents get precious few moments to speak to staff. meetigns are a good informal way to build relationships, without haveing to talk about the report card and child focused matters.

if a high teacher presence at ptoa mtgs is intimidating to parents, then its a whole different ballgame and lots needs to be fixed at that schools community climate. (in that case, the remedey is hiring SHAWN to be principal or super, hes got the insights into how to manage school matters, from what i read on these posts).

On the contrary, it makes perfect sense. I think any group should reflect the community it serves. There are naturally more parents than teachers at a school so there should naturally be more parent involvement in the PTO.

Your comments also reinforce comments made on other threads regarding the "help, the teachers are taking over the PTO!" pleas.

Thank you for your candid comments. It's always helpful to get another perspective!

This may sound pretty weird but it's true. I'm a teacher and many teachers don't sign up because they
want parents to feel welcome and in control. Some parents tend to feel out numbered if there's too many teachers and not enough parents. I've actually heard the principal tell teachers not to have a higher number than parents for the very reason I mentioned above. I know it doesn't make sense but it's true.