Being class mom while working full time

Has anyone done this? Is it even possible? I’m a teacher and I’m very involved in my district but DS is only young once. Just trying to get perspective from anyone who has done this before.

Being class mom while working full time

You will have to be able to leave work for class parties etc. if you can do that then it’s possible.

Being class mom while working full time

I wouldn’t try it...

Re: Being class mom while working full time

Being class mom while working full time

This is def do-able for a working mom in my district. Yes, there are daytime activities, but as class mom, you are in charge of organizing volunteers-You don't necessarily have to be there yourself. Sometimes there are supplies that the teacher will request, but you can always bring them in at drop-off or ask someone else to bring them in.
Our district has very few SAHMs.

Being class mom while working full time

Some class moms ask for help from other parents for individual parties. You might want to just offer help to the class mom/teacher for parties that you know you can get time off from work for. I would let a parent who can fully commit to being class mom have the job, otherwise it could shortchange the whole class from lots of fun activities. Last year, my dds class mom went above and beyond to make the year really fun and special for the class. But with every class party that came up, a few parents were able to help out.

Re: Being class mom while working full time

I have seen moms that work full time being class parents, but saying so, I have noticed that those moms have flexible hours and, although, they coordinate the activities, they also get to be in the school sometimes. I don’t work full time, but I’m always sure to offer my help to the class parent and get to participate in whatever I can like field trips, parties, etc. What I did a couple of years, was to be involved in school activities like the auction, graduation, carnivals, etc, and that way I wasn’t involved directly with the class, but with the school.

Being class mom while working full time

I tried to do it two years ago and honestly it was very difficult. Since our district has very few volunteers, it was expected that I attend all of the class events to help out (I knew this going in).
However due to school hours I often had to take an entire day off for a one hour party.

Re: Being class mom while working full time

Think about the limits your job would cause and ask yourself if you’d want you as a class mom. That’s your answer.

Being class mom while working full time

I don't think it'll be fair to you or the other parents in the class to be class mom. You really need to be there during parties and activities and since most likely you will not be able to do that, you are putting extra stress on yourself. There are so many other ways to volunteer. You can assist the class parent when you know you can get off, there are events at night you can Chair for your PTA that will not need you to take off of work.

Being class mom while working full time

Thanks everyone, I'll find other ways to volunteer.

Being class mom while working full time

I know teachers who have, but they had lots of seniority.

Being class mom while working full time

I actually think it's doable. dont sign up to be the "lead class mom" and you'll only be assigned to one party and you can volunteer for any other event you could attend. Do it!

Re: Being class mom while working full time

I considered it very briefly but quickly realized it would be biting off more than I can chew. I can’t make the time commitment.

Being class mom while working full time

I think if there are other class moms, not just one, and you are able to rotate, do it. When I taught, my class mom was a teacher (had this happen 2x actually) and both were very dedicated to the parties and class! I couldn’t have asked for anyone better!

Being class mom while working full time

In our school I’d say Kindergarten and 1st grade require a lot of time with events and parties. Come second grade it’s really mainly just collecting at Christmas and end of the year money for the teacher.

Being class mom while working full time

I’ve done it twice - I am a school admin so I have more flexibility, but in our elem school it’s doable as a teacher as long as you can take two-three days (or half days) off a year. There are multiple class parties and field day. I live in the town over from where I work, so I can easily get to the school. If you live far from where you work and would need to take off full days it might be hard.

Re: Being class mom while working full time

Re: Being class mom while working full time

Posted by LIRascal

I actually think it's doable. dont sign up to be the "lead class mom" and you'll only be assigned to one party and you can volunteer for any other event you could attend. Do it!

Re: Being class mom while working full time

Every teacher really expects different things. I’ve had teaches who have had me come in once a month with a craft and than do all the parties. I’ve had teachers who only want you to come in for the big parties, Halloween, Christmas, spring and end of the year. Honestly I’d reach out the teacher and explain your situation and tell them you want to be involved and see if they have something you could help with. Join the Pta where you can choose activities that might work better with your schedule.

Being class mom while working full time

You can do it with other parents. I'm a teacher and also a class parent. I was upfront with the teacher and the other parents by stating that I could help get the behind-the-scenes stuff taking care of (shopping for class parties, creating class letters/friendship lists, etc.) and the at home parents were there physically to support in that manner. It doesn't hurt to try!

Re: Being class mom while working full time

I did it the past few years. Last year I was class mom to both of my kids. In our district only class parents attend class parties. I was at my job for 14 years and i can work from home and they were flexible so it was easy for me to be class mom.

I just stated a new job not even a month ago. While I work from home and I could probably could get away to be class mom I will not do it this year.

Re: Being class mom while working full time

I did it last year because no one else wanted to do it and they were desperate for someone. I work FT. I made it clear that I could not attend any daytime meetings as I work FT. My main function though was collecting money for gifts for the teachers/aides for holidays in December and end of year.... only one parent ended up giving me money in December (after I confirmed interest w/ everyone), so I am not doing it again this year.

Re: Being class mom while working full time

Our district has several class moms for each class. Maybe you can suggest being a co-class mom?
This makes it easier for parties/events etc bc typically only 1 mom has to be there but the other class mom may send out a list of whats needed or put together goody bags etc.

Re: Being class mom while working full time

I think a distrit iin which you can't do it is very tone deaf and behind the times. Working moms should be accommodated so that their contributions can be felt. I have heard of some districts that have pta meetings in the morning and then again at night so working moms may attend. I would see what can be worked out with the school and your job before I gave up on the idea. People are a lot more reasonable and compassionate than we think sometimes.