Teachers do a lot, here’s how you can help
Jamie Vollmer spent the better half of two decades lending a hand to educators in the hope of alleviating some of the duties expected of today’s school teachers. “Vollmer’s List” highlights these strenuous, yet important duties that have been added onto educator’s plates since the 1900s.
As the years pass, the list grows, but nothing has changed for educators in terms of number of days in a school year or number of hours in a school day. It simply can’t be done without the result of overworked and burned out teachers.
As community members and parents it is our duty to lighten the load. So, what can you do to help?
1. Volunteer in schools
Steps to Become a Volunteer in Omaha Public Schools
- Contact the school to discuss a volunteer opportunity.
- Complete the volunteer application online.
- The building principal will look over the volunteer activity request.
- If approved, human resources will also look over the request and communicate via email to the principal and volunteer applicant of approval or denial.
- Volunteer activity can begin AFTER an approval email is received.
- Contact Lori Sanders with any questions at (531) 299-9767 or lori.sanders@ops.org
- All volunteer records are inactivated the last day of each school year. All volunteers must reapply for the school each year to be considered for volunteer opportunities.
2. Get Involved in a Parent Teacher Association or Organization
- Parent organizations help boost educator and student morale and fundraise for materials or supplies a school needs.
- Check out this guide for creating a PTO if your school does not have one.
3. Advocate on behalf of teachers
Contact local representatives and school boards to make sure your concerns and ideas are heard.
- Omaha Public Schools Board of Education – Contact
- Nebraska State Representatives:
4. Check out Donors Choose and see what local teachers are asking for
Teachers receive a very small reimbursement for supplies they purchase for their classrooms throughout the year. Your dollars can go a long way in supporting their students!
5. Simply ask schools, “What can I do to help?”
- Oftentimes school nurses need gently used children’s clothing.
- DIBS currently serves six schools, and approximately 1,000 students. Below is each school’s contact information. You can reach out to the principal, call the front desk or message a school’s PTA or PTO to learn more about how you can help:
Fontenelle Elementary
3905 North 52nd Street Omaha, NE 68104
Phone: (402) 457-5905; Principal: Eric Nelson, eric.nelson@ops.org
Adams Elementary
3420 North 78th Street Omaha, NE 68134
Phone: (402) 572-9072; Principal: Mark Kelln, mark.kelln@ops.org
Rose Hill Elementary
5605 Corby Street Omaha, NE 68104
Phone: (402) 554-6797; Principal: Tylee Hanson, tylee.hanson@ops.org
Conestoga Magnet
2115 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110
Phone: (402) 344-7147; Principal: Vanita Jarmon, vanita.jarmon@ops.org
Minne Lusa Elementary
2728 Ida Street Omaha, NE 68112
Phone: (402) 457-5611; Principal: Kim Jones, kimberly.jones@ops.org
Citizens of the World Charter
3435 Broadway Blvd Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: (816) 499-8000; info@cwckansascity.org
My name is Ashley Ring – I’m an avid reader and passionate writer. My love for the written word came at a young age, and has blossomed into a new adventure I plan on following to the ends of the earth. Teaching the youth about literacy and the importance it holds for the future is something I strive to instill each and every day.