our teachers are unionized - I don't think the pricipal really has the power to encourage participation - somehow the teachers have got to see the benefits of participation - perhaps it goes back to their educatin - maybe parents should be asked into their educational experience for teachers who are training - train up the next generation for a change

It is unbelievable that many PTOs are used as a bank. That is not theirmain function. Yes, we spend a lot of time raising money for various items but ultimately everything we do is for the kids! If you want your teachers to participate, you need support from your principal. Bottom line. Meet with the principal, ask what is expected of PTO, what she/he envisions the PTO doing. It maybe that, although you have the vision or even goal, you each have your own way of wanting to accomplish it. One thing that needs to be remembered is that it is the Principal's call because it is his/her school.

Our Principal is great. We opened a few years ago as a primary school, after being part of an elementary school for years. She was new to the district and tried to do everything herself. When she realized it was too much, she gave us a bit more flexibility. I sat down with her over thr summer and discussed different events we wanted to do. We talked about teacher participation. Our teachers do help. But they have an incentive - they receive a one hour pass which they usually use at the end of the day. As long as they have someone (usually a parent) to watch their class, they can leave early and not have to use personal time. We've even 'bribed' teachers by giving them a free tshirt and pizza to help deliver to kids during our teacher delivery night.

Overall, the key to getting teachers to participate is getting the Principal to participate.

This has become a big issue at our school as well. Part of the problem is that we have a new, inexperienced principal who listens to the teachers and staff, but less so to the parents. Another problem, in my opinion, is that teachers are used to seeing themselves as more underpaid and overworked than the parents of their students. This may have been the case before the recession, but it certainly isn't the case anymore. Many parents are hurting financially. Those of us who work, work just as hard as the teachers in our own jobs and we often get less benefits. So, when teachers instead of working with us as a group working towards a common goal act of improving the education of the children, act like entitled children; good will is lost.

I can relate to this my self!

The PTO president and I try to do so many things... but sadly we dont have the teachers support as well.. not even to hand out to students the fliers we create for the meetings. Ocassionaly, I've found them flyers in the trash bin even before the event date. We drive around trying to get donations (our own gas) but the teachers just ask for our budget and get what they need.. At this school i feel like being left out.. the principal doesnt comunicate to me whats going on either or participate in my events either. oh but yes... they do count with my help and i better show up and lend a hand or they wont talk to you for a month. I dont get that many parents to my meetings for i cant offer free 100s for their students report card if they show up or spend so much money in food. They limit everything for me but i have to give my 100% to them.. What makes me soo sad is that they are the educaters and yet they dont take a moment to say hello to parents or give away a smile.. (its free/a smile dont cost a cent). Even whey i greet them... they just look at me and walk away as if i didnt say a thing! I dont knwo how they spect the students to behave better when they dont show their manners.. and only wants me to call parents to give bad news..i know there are some good students too, and their parents should be notified about that too! Someone said, teachers are underpaid...well we (parent liaisons) are way underpaid...if we dont work we dont eat..teachers got benefits...we dont. Its all good! Teachers cant participate..well I'll just keep trying harder to do my best in engaging parents in our events! They may not appreciate me, but i know the lord sees everything. I dont do things to get fame or credits.. i just want the parents to know and participate more in their students academics and feel apreciated!That is what makes the difference in the schools!

You really shouldn't have to bride them to participate!
Do any of you get to sit in on a teacher/staff meeting to present PTA?

We had the official teacher appreciation week one time fall when we had some other events that conflicted and we just moved our week ahead. I'm sure the teachers will enjoy teacher appreciation even if it's not during the "official" week.