I guess we must be blessed because we haven't had a problem working with our teachers. Our bylaws include the principal and one teacher along with three parents on the PTO board. This keeps the principal informed--feedback goes both ways; the teacher is in close contact with all the rest of the teachers, so we have that feeback as well so we can address everyone's needs and concerns. Teachers are very much involved in our carnivals--they run their own booths with monies raised going toward their own class--they don't feel that they have to come running to PTO for little things they might need. We also have a teacher wish tree on the front hall bulletin board. Parents can take a wish and fill it. Usually around the holidays, if there are remaining wishes, PTO takes them all and fills them. Our teachers are very special to us and we make sure we let them know all year, not just during appreciation week. In fact, Teacher Appreciation week has become STAFF appreciation week because the custodians, office and cafeteria workers are a part of our school too and we can't do it without them. Just this morning, we distributed handmade chocolate roses and a note of thanks to the teachers who volunteered to serve in the kitchen for our annual spaghetti dinner Tuesday evening so that all parents could enjoy the meal with their family instead of being the ones in the kitchen. It all boils down to treat others as you would like to be treated. Sometimes it may take awhile for some teachers to come around--some don't like parents "invading" their territory--but if you show consideration it'll come back to you. Good luck.
One of the biggest ways to develop a good relationship is show respect for their job. We tell our volunteers we are there to help. Which translates into being flexible and trying to be nondisruptive. Some of these things volunteers don't even think about like walking into classrooms for things during the day, or visiting in the office during the day.
Our school is very flexible and supportive, but we try not to take advantage of it and show the teachers we know they have a big job and we respect that it is their work place. We are there for support and help. We also ask for their input on projects and we've tried to consolidate requests and information distribution so they aren't constantly getting hit with paper. I think these things go a long way towards a good relationship, in addition to tokens of appreciation.
I should start by saying last school year was my first year as the PTO pres. We start each year with a little welcome gift on each teacher's desk just something small. We passed out a flyer about their birthdates and we put a card and last year a personalized bookmark in their mail box on their birthday and we bake one cake in the middle of the month and put in their lunch room. And once a month on any given day we may leave a little something on their desks a notebook, pen, doughnut, candle etc. and always a cute saying to go with whatever we leave on their desk. Of course you always have those 2 rotten apples in the basket but You have to smile and move on. The teachers have really come around since I became Pres. I show them respect and they now do it in return. As for all the little gifts we usually have parents volunteer to make something for all the teacher's each month so it cost ZERO to the PTO! Even better yet!
I have been involved on the executive board for 2 years. In the past others have alienated teachers so our focus was to reach out to them. 2 members of our board met with the P and VP of the Teachers Association at the beginning of the year, last year. We discussed how to welcome teachers into the meetings and asked them how to approach teachers with new ideas. This was a BIG help. We kept in touch with them throughout the year. We are starting off on a positve note this year with a warmth that was missing in the past. I really think if we approach teachers with respect and ASK THEM how we can best help the school we will be able to reach more of them. This year we are focusing on what needs to happen to make them feel free to openly share in PTO meetings. Start with a few and build the trust and it will spread to others. Good Luck!
We are a new K-5 school and this is our 2nd year. First of all our principal is very supportive and let's the teachers know they are expected to be also since we as parents are giving our time and like you said, We are both doing it all for the children!! We (PTO) start off by celebrating staff/teachers birthdays once a month in lounge w/ snacks and a small gift. Last year is was a painted candy dish & this year a paint flower pot w/ a bookmark inside w/ year, each staff member and school name (so cute & inexpensive)! We put little notes in their boxes once a month reminding them their appreciated. Create list of parents offering to make copies, cut die cuts or anything that will help them out alittle. After listing all this the main importance is having your principal support you and except nothing less from her staff. Our school has really been blessed with a great principal.
How can you get a parent group and teachers to cooperate together? I would like to see us all working together as a team. After all we share the same goal and that is to benefit the kids. Any suggestions?
