How to Become a School Volunteer

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or a caring person that likes to be active in the community, your local school can benefit from the gift of your time and your skills. To become a school volunteer you'll only have to follow a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• Communication skills
• Special skills or knowledge to share (optional)

1. If you have a child currently attending school keep an eye out at the beginning of the school year for a volunteer form. Some schools send these home so they can capture interest and start to potentially match people to the open volunteer slots based on the responses they receive. After filling out and returning the form you are usually contacted by someone from the school or a head volunteer who will further work with you to set you up with a volunteer position. If you do not have a form to fill out speak to a teacher at the school or place a call to the school's main office and ask to be directed to the person that coordinates the volunteering.

2. To become a school volunteer different schools may have different required procedures you must follow before starting. You may need to attend a volunteer orientation or some type of training. They may require you pass a background check as well. You will need to familiarize yourself with the school rules and learn the rules that will pertain specifically to you as a volunteer. The volunteer rules will cover important things such as where to sign in when you arrive at the school, student confidentiality, what to do in the case of a sick or injured child, what to do if there is a behavior issue with a child, if there is a dress code you must follow, as well as other things you need to know. You should only agree to volunteer if you are willing and able to comply with these requirements and the rules. They are helpful and beneficial to everyone, including you, so make sure you are aware of what is expected of you before agreeing to anything.

3. You may want to volunteer once a month, an hour a week, or every day. Be sure to discuss with the volunteer coordinator or the person that you working with what days and times you will be available to help out. This will help them fit you into a position that will suite their needs as well as match your schedule so it is a win-win situation for both parties.

4. If you have any special skills or interests you'd be willing to share with the school be sure to mention them when you express your interest to become a volunteer. Perhaps you're a retired fire fighter that would like to share about fire safety or maybe you sing and play the guitar and would like to come in and entertain the children while giving them a brief history about folk music. Schools are often happy to have people come in and share appropriate things with the children when it is arranged in advance. By sharing some sort of special knowledge or skill you have you can help broaden their education while being rewarded with a captive audience.

5. The first day you volunteer make sure to show up ten to fifteen minutes early. This will allow you, and whomever you are helping, to be able to discuss what will be happening and prepare for what you will be doing that day.

6. Relax. When in doubt follow the lead of those your are helping, smile, and be respectful and friendly. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get clarification if you don't know what to do next. Soon you'll get the hang of it and know just what to do.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though being a volunteer is not a paid position the teachers and staff are depending on you to do your job. If you are unable to make it due to illness or a schedule conflict be sure to notify the school as soon as possible so they can make other arrangements in your absence. They will greatly appreciate it.
• Be on time. Better yet be five minutes early so you have time to prepare and settle in. Call if you are going to be late.
• Even if you cannot commit to a regular schedule of volunteering you may be able to volunteer on occasion doing things such as helping with special events, helping the art teacher display the artwork, coming in to read a special story to the children, chaperoning a field trip, or by sharing a special skill or some knowledge you have.
• If you only have free time after school hours or on weekends to volunteer consider volunteering as a tutor or a mentor.
• If you don't like a certain subject or are not strong in a certain subject try to stay away from it. You and the children will both be rewarded more if you are confident and comfortable with what you are doing. There are usually ample opportunities to become a school volunteer so don't be afraid to say no to helping out with math class if you aren't thrilled at the prospect. Ask if you can help out with literacy or something else instead.
• If you experience any conflicts with the teachers, staff, or children that you are working with and do not feel like you can resolve it with the appropriate protocol you can always politely decline further working with them or ask for a different position.
• Don't be afraid to respectfully offer your feedback, suggestions, ideas, concerns, or thoughts to the staff members you are working with or the volunteer coordinator but remember that ultimately they have the final say as you are there to give a helping hand not to be in charge.
• Do your best to develop a good relationship with the staff and the children. Personalities won't always mesh but you can still make the best of it.
• You don't have to be comfortable working with children to volunteer at the school, although it helps. Ask for jobs such as setting up tables and chairs before events, selling tickets at school events, or helping with fund raisers if it is more your speed.
• Enjoy the little things like when a child that you've been helping passes their spelling test or a teacher tells you how much having an extra pair of hands in the classroom has saved her sanity. Those little gems make it all worthwhile.
• You are a role model to the children around you even if you are not working with them directly. Dress and act appropriately at all times. Children mimic what they see and hear.
• Follow all safety procedures while you are in the school building including participating in fire drills and other drills if you are present during them. This will help ensure your own safety and the safety or those around you.
• Children have different reactions to their parent's presence at their school. Children that aren't even your children may have a reaction to a new person being present. Be prepared for different reactions. Don't take it personally if your child, or any child, does not act happy to see you or even ignores you. You are making a positive difference even if you cannot see the immediate results.