How to Handle Parent Volunteers in Class
September 04, 2009
Volunteering is a great way for parents to learn their way around the classroom and lend a helping hand. But it takes more than enthusiasm to make parent volunteers an asset in academia. In fact, parents who run roughshod over cherished classroom rules and routines can be downright disruptive.
Fortunately, there are ways you can make the most of parent volunteers so that everyone"parent, teacher, and student"benefits. For Robin Gorelik, a grade-5 teacher in Toronto, Canada, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship entails assigning the right tasks. For example, while it's appropriate to ask volunteers to make photocopies of assignments, set up science projects, or help students with remedial work, Gorelik says, "I would never ask a parent to lead a lesson, even momentarily." What's more, Gorelik says it's important to ask "parents beforehand what tasks they feel comfortable tackling." After all, requesting that a tech-challenged parent scan student work on a computer, for instance, will only create a frustrated volunteer.
Gorelik also recommends establishing set boundaries regarding a volunteer's duties for the day. "Make clear and concise guidelines," she says. "Write a list letting parents know what you'd like them to do for you so that as soon as they walk in the door, they know what their responsibilities are."
In fact, parent volunteers are likely to appreciate learning about a particular teacher's expectations and parameters. "Clear communication and taking the time to explain why I've been asked to do something always makes my volunteer experience more rewarding," says Shawnda Walker-Leu, whose daughters, Abigail, 7, and Vanessa, 4, are entering grade 2 and senior kindergarten, respectively. Over the years, Walker-Leu's volunteer experience has ranged from helping prep for art projects and participating in school field trips to facilitating reading groups and chairing the fundraising council.
According to Walker-Leu, the rewards of volunteering in her children's school are numerous. "My kids love knowing I'm at the school, even if I'm not in their class," she says, adding that volunteering also helps her stay abreast of school spirit days, special events, and upcoming performances.
Of course, teachers should always find ways to demonstrate their heart-felt appreciation to parent volunteers. "Once a year, we host a volunteer tea at our school"a catered, after-school event where we serve tea and snacks," says Gorelik. "All the parents who have volunteered that year are invited, and we give each parent a rose to thank them for their help."
Still, Gorelik says that she has heard horror stories of over-bearing parent volunteers wreaking havoc in a classroom. In this situation, Gorelik advises teachers to keep their cool. Rather than create an uncomfortable situation for students, she recommends that teachers "continue to be professional. And if the situation gets really bad, speak to your principal."
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