What a Volunteer Program Does for a School

Parent volunteers and an effective school volunteer program can enhance the perform of students, enrich the curriculum, enhance a school's image, improve teacher relationships and provide an array of job skills. Learn about the benefits of creating a school volunteer program and why recruiting and training parent volunteers is a must effective parent involvement.

A Parent Volunteer Program Enriches the Curriculum

A teacher's job can be overwhelming. Yet many of these activities can be handled efficiently by others, notably, parent or school volunteers. When teachers are freed from the routine and ordinary responsibilities of duplicating, preparing materials, clerical tasks, grading papers, and the like, they have more time to explore and develop ideas that will enhance, support, and reinforce the curriculum and student learning.

Student Achievement Increased

In addition to the benefit of extra help, studies continue to taut the positive effects of parent involvement on student achievement. Active parent participation is known for raising student scores, higher grades, increase in student achievement, cultivating positive attitudes about school by both parents and students, enhanced motivation and self esteem and overall satisfaction with teachers.

Students Receive More Individualized Attention

Another advantage to an effective volunteer program is the additional individualized attention students will receive. Most classrooms consist of 20-34 students with only one instructor. It is literally impossible for classroom teachers to sufficient time with struggling students. Unfortunately, this can result in some students falling through the cracks and/or not receiving the extra help needed for success. Teachers can train and utilize volunteers to assist with individualized and small group instruction to enhance student learning.

School Image Enhanced

With all the negative publicity associated with schools around the country, a successful parent volunteer program is one way to gain some kudos for your school. Happy and empowered school volunteers will be your greatest mouth-piece and ally for the school. The parent grapevine is a strong and vital source that transmits information throughout the school site and community at large. You will be projecting to the community how much you value parents and their input into their child's success.

Teacher Appreciation Improves

Do you know that many parents are just as intimidated of teachers as teachers are of parents? Many parents, especially those of diverse backgrounds, have had negative school experiences. They have experienced negative teacher attitudes and unwelcoming school atmospheres and may feel uncomfortable even being on a school campus. Your willingness you reach out and make parents a crucial part of your school programs helps to bridge these gaps and elevate the appreciation for both teachers and the school in general.

Enhance Job Skills

When you recruit and train parents to volunteer you are also increasing their work skills for future employment. Whether parents are assisting you with your reading program, using the copy or laminating machines, or editing writing prompts, they are learning valuable skills that will benefit themselves, their children, and the school for years to come.

Reduces Discipline Problems

Having parents around greatly reduces discipline problems within your classroom and at the school. When parents volunteer they send the message to their children that education is important. This translates into high expectations for learning to take place. In addition, students tend to be on their best behavior when their parents are present.

Teachers Morale Improves

Teachers have one of the highest attrition rates in the workforce. Long hours, high stress, little reward and recognition, lower pay, and increasing work loads contribute to the high burnout rates. The average teacher stays in the profession approximately 5 years before seeking greener pastures. Teachers must make balancing their life a priority, otherwise burnout and stress will creep in and dampen their spirits. Balanced teachers are happier teachers and happy teachers create the most effective learning environments for student success.

Student Motivation Increases

Research indicates that students of involved parents have a more favorable attitude toward school. A positive attitude will result in more engaged students, increased learning, less absenteeism, and better grades.

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