Volunteering in child's classroom, how important in terms of child having good relationship with teacher?

Question

My child in gradeschool seems to feel that children of parents who volunteer have a better relationship with their teacher, that they are better-liked and receive better grades. Do you feel that this is true? What are your experiences with this?

Answer 1

Teachers are smart enough to know which parents are volunteering simply to be wonderful and helpful - and those who are brown-nosing.

I've taught elementary school, then later as a SAHM did lots of volunteering in my son's school (I had never taught in this city). Sure, you get to know the teacher a bit better as a parent, but then it's also a bonus to get to know the children in the class as well - and know who your kids' friends are! I found that part more valuable.

Answer 2

The only thing that I can think of is if a child is doing better when the parent volunteers is that you have an open communication with the teacher.  But it does depend on the child.  my son was horrible on the days I wasn't in the classroom, so it does have its negatives also.

Answer 3

parents who volunteer at the school generally appreciate education, so they help encourage their kids to do well in school. It isn't about the volunteering, it is about the type of parent that volunteers.

Answer 4

i never got along with teachers yet i still got good grades.

Answer 5

I agree with what most of Leah J. said.  When I was a student it appeared to me that others were liked more than me because of their parents being involved with the school (I was an A student, but shy), but these were also the same parents with the $$, etc.  So, I didn't know if it was the volunteering, the $$, or maybe that these kids were more likable (had more self-confidence) because of any/all of these things.

Now that I am a teacher, I can attest to the fact that it probably wasn't the volunteering.  A lot of it is probably the personality of the student, which again, may stem from traits instilled by a more-involved parent.  I had a parent last year that, although they didn't volunteer, I did communicate with almost daily.  He was a student with issues and it did help him for me to be in touch with his parents, but I don't think any of the other students would say he was better received by me.

Answer 6

Parents who volunteer in the classroom have the opportunity to talk to the teacher more often.  If they have any question about their kid's progress or some homework or a project or say classroom rules, it is easier to casually ask the teacher when volunteering, than initiating an email/call or asking at pickup time.

Teachers also get to know the parent better, and invariably the volunteer parent develops a better rapport with the teacher after a few days of volunteering.

But, I don't think this means those kids are better-liked and receive better grades. Teachers like kids who are smart(er), easier to teach, and those who create less trouble in the class. Grades- I don't know. Maybe a B- gets turned into a B, but it is not like kids of volunteering parents gets A's all the time!

The teacher knows more about the kid whose parent volunteers.  And perhaps this shows up in the teacher's dealings with that kid. Your kid is right in a way, but what he/she is saying is a child's interepretation.  

My experience has been that if my kid is the average run-of-the-mill kid (I hate that term!), and goes along with the flow, my volunteering does not make any difference. If kid happens to need help in some subjects or has some minor behavior/social issues in class, then, yes, volunteering makes a difference.

Answer 7

Great question!

I am a third grade teacher and would like to share my perspective.  My colleagues and I try to get to know all the children equally and grade them according their abilities, not any outside influences.  I hope the teachers at your child's school reflect the same principles.  

Regarding parents, the thing we appreciate the most is a parent who supports his/her child's education.  Volunteering/helping out can be useful at times, but what really gives a child success is having support at home.  (By "support" I mean helping your child with homework, thoroughly reading/returning forms on time, coming to conferences, sending the teacher emails if you have a concern, etc.)  Parents who "go the extra mile" at home are showing their kids that education is important, thus setting them up for success.  We appreciate the parents who really take time to care about their children, and that is so much more than extra time spent in the classroom.

Hope that helps!  :)

Answer 8

No I don't think that is true. Grades are got on the effort of their work. Teachers can have their favourites but it has to do with the child not the parent. Saying that it is good to have a positive relationship with the teacher, it makes it easier to approach them