Expert: Bonnie Shimmin - 9/28/2010

Question
QUESTION: Why do teachers get the ability to volunteer and I don't? I know I am considered a non-exempt employee and they are considered exempt. What it really comes down to is this, schools always talk about members of the community volunteering, and I do live in the district so I am a member of the community. When a teacher wants to chaperon a dance or coach a football team they welcome them with open arms and pay them. When I want to chaperon or coach for free because I want to be there and help kids they turn me down. Isn't there something that can give me the same right as a teacher? Some way around the labor law to designate me as a volunteer during those hours?

ANSWER: Dear Zachary,

Principals probably want to employ teachers rather than volunteers because they are already employed by the district and have insurance through the district.  Also, they may know the teachers and trust that they will perform the function adequately.  That isn't to say volunteers would not, it's just that sometimes people volunteer for jobs and then don't show up or don't do what they are asked.  Principals would rather pay someone they know will do the job rather than take a chance on someone they do not know.

That being said, it sounds to me that you really do want to volunteer at your local school.  First, make an appointment with the principal or volunteer coordinator and let them know you are available and what you can do.  Then, when you're assigned a job, do it to the best of your ability.  Make sure you are pleasant and hardworking.  You'll be noticed, and will eventually be assigned the volunteer work you want.  Speaking as a former principal, there were volunteers I worked with for years and I admired them very much.  But before I could admire them, I needed to get to know them first.

Good Luck,
Bonnie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You didn't really answer my question. I already work at the school, fingerprint card, everything. I am as trustworthy as a teacher, I have been vetted through the same process. Why am I as an hourly employee denied the right to volunteer to chaperon dances when they are not paid for it either? If it truly is a volunteer thing (and the school asks teachers to volunteer) why can I not volunteer?

Answer
Dear Zachary,

I didn't understand that you were already employed by the district.  That wasn't made clear in your initial letter, though I see that you must have thought the phrase "non-exempt" explained it all.  That phrase is not one used in my community.  Your question now is, "Why do certificated (teachers) employees get precedence over classified (non-teaching staff) employees in terms of volunteering opportunities?"

I'm sort of mystified by your question as it is something I never experienced.  Anyone who wanted to chaperon a dance or a sporting event was welcome to do so at my schools.  It was usually a matter of trying to scrounge up enough people to do the jobs.  Sometimes we had more volunteers for trips to Disneyland and such, but usually field trips were open for volunteers too, unless it was on a working day.  

Have you asked the principal directly why you are being denied these opportunities?  Do you have good relations with staff and students?  Do other classified employees have the same problem?  Have you talked with your union rep?  Sorry if you consider this unclear and unhelpful.  I'm being has helpful as I know how to be.

Again, Good Luck,
Bonnie