Teachers’ jobs are harder than ever with classroom behavior issues, lack of substitute teachers and long hours. PC Advisers wanted to do something now to positively impact our teachers.
So, in February, we launched a survey at Trailwoods and Banneker Elementary and East High Schools, asking teachers what “perks’ would help make their lives easier. The survey list ranged from on-site hair and nail services to food and clothing for students. We acknowledged that these short-term perks would not take the place of addressing very needed salary increases, staffing shortages and classroom behavior challenges. But, they could help make life a little easier for our teachers. Eighty teachers responded and researcher Jennifer Hill grouped the top responses into three categories:
- Help my students. Healthy snacks and cold-weather clothing are needed.
- Make my job easier. Provide volunteers to help in my classrooms.
- Brighten my day. Provide take-home dinners for my family, so I don’t have to worry about cooking when I get home.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Sherman Family Foundation, we’ve tested take-home dinners for families of four, boxed lunches for all staff, and our PC advisers have been helping in classrooms. We’ve learned a lot and have received rave reviews in all schools. We hope to expand our teacher retention efforts this fall. Interested in helping?
We need volunteers for our lower elementary classrooms. We guarantee that you will LOVE your interaction with our teachers and students.
New math scare you? Don’t worry, you will not be teaching! Sign up here!
