Do you ever feel frustrated with the things that go on at your child’s school? Has your young child ever come home with quirky stories about their classmates, teachers, or other school staff that have made you wonder what goes on when they’re at school? If so, these are two good reasons why you should make volunteering at your child’s school both a priority and a habit.
School systems today are facing cuts in nearly every single department. Many have had to reduce or completely abolish art and athletic classes and activities. While it doesn’t make sense to make government cuts in education, that is exactly what’s happening. One of the most plentiful and helpful resources available to school systems today is parents.
When parents choose to volunteer at their child’s school, not only do they get an up-close and personal look at the things (and people) their child experiences every day, but they also help fortify the school system to make it better. Parent volunteers are often the backbone of extracurricular activities such as yearbook committees and sports teams. For every parent willing to volunteer a few hours each day—whether it’s in their child’s classroom or in the media center—the school can utilize qualified personnel more effectively toward education.
How Volunteering Helps You Stay Connected to Your Child’s Education
It is also important to volunteer at your child’s school so that you can stay involved. Whether it’s right or not, teachers know which students have attentive parents, and they tend to treat those children much better overall. Plus, when you’re involved and work to forge relationships with the teachers and staff at your child’s school, you can put your child in a better position to get the best education possible. Clear, face-to-face communication with teachers is the best way to understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses and to gain an understanding of what your child’s teacher is up against day in and day out.
Too often, parents are willing to volunteer at their child’s school when their children are young. Then, as they hit middle and high school, parental involvement tends to slack off considerably. Unfortunately, this is exactly when your involvement could do the most good. By volunteering at the school, you’ll get to know many of the students your children hang out with on a daily basis. You’ll also gain an insider’s view of the dynamics that can affect your child both educationally and emotionally. This enables parents to make better-informed decisions when it comes to their kids and socialization. In other words, you’ll meet other students and be able to make better character judgments of your child’s peers.
Many parents who work full-time feel like they don’t have the opportunity to spend time at their child’s school. The truth is that these parents can be involved as well. Just taking your lunch hour to eat with your child at school can be an awesome way to know what’s going on. You’ll be able to meet the other kids your child hangs out with every day and get some “face time” with the teacher and administration. When they see you there at lunch, they’ll realize that you are dedicated to your child and their education.
Plus, full-time parents can offer to volunteer in other ways outside of the general 8-hour school day. You could help grade papers, make cutouts for your child’s classroom, bring in goodies for parties, or even assist in other school departments. If you have specialized skills, your talents may be useful in the PTA or other areas of the school system. Your best bet is to volunteer your time and services and allow the school to utilize you as best as possible.
In addition to volunteering, consider looking into the substitute-teaching program at your child’s school. Most school districts around the United States require qualified applicants to take a course about substitute teaching before placing them on the list. If you’re available during school hours every day, this is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door (and get paid) at your child’s school.
Many parents forget that children spend a significant amount of time at school. The day is filled with activities and interactions that can have a large impact on your child’s life. Your involvement sends a strong message to your children that you plan to be there for them and that you are paying attention to what’s going on in their lives. It also enables you to see your child in action, witness their interactions with others, and get to know the people who will undoubtedly shape their lives when you’re not around.
Plus, your presence can truly help ease the burden on teachers, who may be pulling double duty due to recent cutbacks and furloughs across the school system. Even if you’ve never worked in education before or have no experience, chances are there’s something you can do at your child’s school that will benefit both the school system and your child. It’s never too late to become a volunteer! You might be surprised at how quickly members of the school staff welcome your assistance when you offer it.
