Perhaps there just needs to be more structure to the volunteerism...it sounds as if parents are encouraged to just "drop by"....

Teachers should be seeking out volunteers for specific events, classroom projects...parents shouldn't just be "hanging around" the classroom...if I were a teacher I would be offended by this...

I believe they feel threatend by people being in the classroom. We have tried to be as nice as we can to them. They are for the most part a very experienced group that does not want to change anything. They are experiencing forced change from the new principal and the school board, so I am sure they are not comfortable. As a parent any time i ask an academic question, they are very defensive. I believe they are very competent teachers - they just want to be left alone. I just don't know how to handle it both as a parent and Booster Club President.

I totally agree with everyone else. As parents we have a right to be involved in our childs education.

Are the teachers being interrupted by the volunteers maybe? Our volunteers are encouraged to speak with the teacher before poppin gin to help, so as not to interrupt and cause a disruption. Can you set up specific times for the volunteers to go? Such as end of the day, or during specials? I go in my childs 3rd grade room every Tuesday afternoon during specials to file papers and send stuff home. For some students, having a guest in the room throws them totally off focus. If a student is ADHD, then it really can mess up the class. Could this be part of the issue? I am not saying the teachers are right, just trying to find out what may be triggering the reaction they are having. It is hard to imagine them not wanting any help at all.

I am in school and just did a whole research paper on parental involvement and how much it improves academic achievement and behavior in the classes. I'll be glad to email you some research-based information if it would help.

GOOD LUCK!

I agree maybe a meeting or discusion with these people that these are are goals and vision of our Parent Assoc- Booster Club.

Teahcers complaining about parent wanting to be invovled in their childs education- HOW RUDE !!!

I've got a bag full of quarters (one for each teacher) and a nice song you can play over the loud speaker every morning so they can be reminded of just how lucky the are, my number is......


Communicate, Communicat and find out exactly what their (unwaranted probably) fears and needs are

Talk, talk, talk. Do not shy away from this. Ask the hard questions that need to be asked. Develop a postitive relationship with the Principal and go from there.

Are they concerend that the monies raised will be "doled" out based on parent involvement (sounds terrible, but I'm breaking it down to what I consider the "most" basic level). Example: grade a only had 2 or 3 parents involved, but grade b had 10-15. So grade b will get more of the funds due to a bigger volunteer base?

Maybe if they meet and someone could go over the budget, fundraisers etc and let them feel they are involved it would help?