This is a problem for many. I have this problem now. Certian teachers act like we don't exist but they want their money when it is time to hand it out.

At the elementary it is in the by laws that teachers receive their money AFTER Fall Festival. #1 it is a big money maker and there is enough money for the staff afterwards. #2 In order to received their PTO alloted money they must work this event along with another event during the year. The money is reimburshed to them. They do not get it directly.

Yes, teachers work long hard hours. Sometimes 16 hour days including meetings often with little thanks and definately with little pay. Teaching is not something you just decide to do. As one of my professors put it, "it is like a calling." It is not a 9-5 5 day a week job. Perhaps in your case your teachers need a little encouraging. Maybe they forget that T is part of this orginization and in every org it takes team work. Just let them know how much the parents work to have a successful org and ask (nicely as possible) if they could do their part.

I have been active in our school's PTO for several years, I am quite embarrassed for not knowing the answer......but, PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization - is it just supposed to be a group of parents that help teachers or is it supposed to be parents working with teachers for a common goal? The only time teachers have ever come to our meetings is to ask for money for special guests or field trips and they never volunteer or participate in any functions unless it is in their honor during the school day (Our PTO hosts a "Teacher Appreciation Luncheon" for the teachers during teacher appreciation week in May). I completely understand and agree that they are caring for and teaching our children each and every day, but shouldn't we be able to expect just a little support from the teachers? For example: volunteering to run a MayDay stand for an hour along with our parent volunteers, or working the payment table for an hour at fund raiser distribution with parent volunteers, or some similar "no brainer" type assingment that does not require anything beyond the 1 hour time commitment. I know they work long hours, but so do most of my parent volunteers. Am I wrong to expect the teachers to show an interest beyond what we can provide for them?
Thanks!!