I want to volunteer in my child’s classroom, but I work full time!

Ok. So, you’ve seen your SAHM (“stay at home mom”) friends and their facebook posts about how they are helping in their child’s classroom.  As a full time career mom, you know it’s not possible to be in your child's classroom helping, yet you still want your child to see that you are invested in his/her classroom. You want the teacher to know you are willing to help out, even if you can’t be there physically.

Here are a few ideas that can work across the board, no matter your child's age or grade:

Send in extra supplies once a month or once a grading period

Teachers may get bombarded with school supplies in the beginning of the year, but it does not mean those particular supplies will last. When you buy basic supplies, you can’t go wrong. Trust me when I say that all of these contributions are welcome to teachers who so often spend their own money on supplies.

• pencils

• paper

• erasers

• tape dispenser refills

• post it notes

• tissues

• hand sanitizer

• bandages

Offer to make copies for the teacher at home, work, or library

Believe it or not, many schools limit their teacher on how many copies they can make. Preschool and elementary teachers rely more heavily on copies since some of their students truly struggle copying from the board to paper. As long as the copies aren’t tests, most teachers would be thrilled for you to offer. It is a great way to ensure the teacher will have a little less stress, while your child benefits from your contribution.<

Become an active member of the PTO/PTA

Perhaps you lack the time for full devotion to decorating a fall festival, but being a career woman, you will have other ways to contribute.  Knowing what the school’s needs are and actively sharing them in the business community or social media is just as important.  

Most meetings take place in the evening and are prescheduled so you can get them on your calendar. If unable to attend, show your presence and desire to help with an email to the PTO president or principal.

Be a teacher encourager

I was blessed during my years as a teacher to have many parents who encouraged me along the way.

It truly can be as simple as sending a handwritten note of appreciation (from parent and/or child). I saved these and put them in my “Happy File” to look at on stressful days. Other parents chose to send in small gift cards to coffee shops or dollar stores.

Many times, your child will hear about hobbies and likes that his/her teacher has. Parents can enlist their child in the encouragement process as well by listening or asking what the teacher likes.

Your child feels special when he/she sees you contributing to the classroom. It’s a good feeling to hand something to the teacher and hear her say how thankful she is and glad they were a helper.

Volunteering looks different depending on the jobs and responsibilities we have as parents. There is a place for each of us to help in our child’s education. You are your child's most influential teacher.

Parents, what ways do you enjoy volunteering your talents to the classroom?

Teachers, what contributions (time, money, gifts, etc.) help you get through the school year? Leave us a comment and share with a friend!