School Volunteer Jobs to Fit Your (Busy) Schedule 

You have a ton of free time and welcome a big volunteer commitment! With hours of preparation and planning ahead, you can take the lead here as:

• PTA/PTO Board Member

• Fundraising or Event Chair – think carnival, gala, auction, art or talent show, science fair (easy for parent volunteers, heavy lifting for the lead)

• Elementary Class Parent/Room Parent – organize parties, teacher gifts, classroom volunteers and anything else the teacher requests

• Project Graduation Head

You’re noticing a few free slots on your calendar and would love to fill those with some time spent at school with the kiddos – a mid-size volunteer commitment is ideal this year. Pitch in part-time with these roles:

• Concession Stand Contributor (often at night or on weekends, seasonal)

• Kindergarten Activity Helper (usually 1 hour per week)

• Teacher Appreciation Lunch Organizer (usually 1x per month)

• Library Helper (all year, usually for 1-2 hrs per week)

• Computer Room Volunteer (all year, usually for 1-2 hours per week)

• Lunchroom Monitor (all year, usually for 1-2 hrs per week or per month)

• Art or Music Class Volunteer (all year, usually for 1-2 hours per week or month)

• Recess Supervisor (all year, usually for 1 hour per week or month)

• Class Photographer (attends every classroom event)

• Garden Helper (weekly watering and maintenance)

You are swamped and stay swamped. But just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you don’t know how to show up and lend a hand! These targeted volunteer commitment opportunities are the perfect addition to your busy year.

• Send Treats/Snacks/Drinks/Crafts/Games for classroom parties/events

• Chaperone a Field Trip (1-2x per year, often all day)

• Read to the Class (30 minutes, 1x per year or term)

• Celebrate Teachers by bringing (or buying) treats for the break room or Teacher Appreciation potluck during special holidays and events. (test-day coffee & bagels, pies for Thanksgiving, etc.)

• Donate School Supplies that teacher has requested

• Manage a Booth at the carnival (one day, 2-3 hr shift, often on a weekend)

• Assist the Nurse with health and vision screenings (1x per year)

• Attend a Career Day and share your profession (typically one day, 2-3 hours)

• Join a Campus Cleanup day (bring the whole family to pitch in on a weekend morning or afternoon)

• Provide Food for Performers (band, orchestra, theatre, etc.).

• Demonstrate Experiments during classroom lab days or at Science Night. 

• Chaperone a Dance (3-5 hours + free embarrassment for your kids!)

• Volunteer at Project Graduation – watch doors (no escapees), search for contraband, check-in, serve food, work the party stations etc. 

Maybe helping from home is more aligned with your schedule this year – no problem, check out these remote volunteer opportunities! 

• Update the Website or class group page

• Coordinate online SignUps using SignUp!

• Make Phone Calls soliciting auction donations

• Add Social Media Content to school or class accounts

• Cut and Package learning materials for elementary school classrooms

• Hem uniforms for band, cheer, choir, etc.

• Provide Bookkeeping assistance for the PTA/PTO. 

• Paint Signs for large events like carnival and art days

• Support Product Fundraisers by selling items to your neighbors, family, or co-workers

With no shortage of opportunities to volunteer at school, pick a volunteer job that fits your schedule. Whether you’re the Room Parent, concession stand contributor, or snack queen – you are guaranteed to find some fun and ‘feel good’ in helping out this year.

Why You Should Attend Back-to-School Night

Volunteer Recruitment Strategies for PTAs & PTOs

Back-to-School Planning Center