We have done several things in our building for our teachers. Some of these things include: for a staff apprication gift last year we completely remodled thier break room by painting, adding new wall decor, a few new othewr things, and making use outr a room next door to open it up. Teachers loved it! We also pay for our teachers to eat at parent-teacher conferences and ask them what they want. At christmas we give the teachers a small gift of a gift certificate. To let the teachers and all staff know how much we appricate them, we are doing a "Getting To Know You" portion on our board. Once a month, I pick out 6-8 staff and they fill out a sheet with information about what they do, thier family, ETC. This shows are apprication to them as well as having parents and kids who do not know them can get to know them. We are highlighting our volunteers as well. Although you cannot please everyone, I would like to think the majority is happy with us as a PTO and we try to go hand in hand with them to keep communication open

I can relate to this. We have upcoming teacher contract negotiations and are faced with a 4% increase to our school budget based on teacher salary alone. Last week the teachers left the children in the hallways and walked out to demonstratem that they would not stay past there contracted time. It was an effort to create an uncomfortable situation for the principal which she would, for liability reasons, need to report to the school board. I am sick over the idea that the people we employ and trust to educate our children would resort to such unprofessional behavior and endangered our children in an effort to make a contractual demonstration. Unions have their place to protect employees from wrongful abuses but now appear to protect unscrupulous behaviors so that teachers in our area can continue. in an economic depression, to receive 6-9% raises to their 6 digit salaries. And our hands our tied.

I'm confused as to whether or not you're actually asking "why bother" ?
Honestly, it's sad and disturbing that the teachers feel SO unappreciated that they're thinking about going on strike.

I feel that teacher appreciation is extremely important. Not only from a PTO stand point but from a parent stand point. When our teachers are unappreciated and unhappy- that doesn't lead to a good environment OR education for our children.

It's amazing to me that anyone would actually question teacher appreciation.

Tim's today tip explained...

...

Your conference events are some of the most challenging days of the year for your teachers. Lines of parents, long hours, and tons of talking. They're essential days on the school calendar, but they're not easy on teachers.

And that's why they're the perfect time for showing appreciation.

BUT!!!! Our school district is close to striking!

The teachers have nothing in the classrooms hung up and none of them came to our Back To School Night. The list goes on about how they can not particiapte in traditional school activities because it is not stated exactly that way in their contract! And don't even get me started on their demanding health benefits!

Many parents are angry, sad and embarressed about the union leaders and the school board's behavior towards themselves and especially towards our innocent children who just want and desperately need their education that we parents/taxpayers pay for!

So, I say why even bother!!!!