Stop Doing It All Alone: Why Parents Want to Help in Your Agriculture Classroom (and How to Let Them)

Let’s be honest—ag teachers are some of the hardest-working people out there. You’re lesson planning, running FFA meetings, chaperoning contests, grading papers, watering plants, loading the trailer, answering emails… and somehow still expected to smile and show up for your students every day.

If you’ve ever sat at your desk after school with a to-do list longer than your arm and thought, “I can’t keep doing this by myself,”—you’re not alone.

The truth is, you weren’t meant to do it all.

But too often, that’s exactly what happens.

The Problem with “Just Let Me Know”

How many times have you heard a parent say, “Just let me know if you need anything!”

And what do we usually do? We nod, smile, and say thank you—then never follow up. Not because we don’t need help (we desperately do), but because we don’t have the time or energy to figure out what to ask for or how to keep track of it.

Meanwhile, those offers fade away. And you’re back at school late again, grading projects, building an FFA display, or trying to wrangle field trip permission slips by yourself.

The Story We Forget

Here’s the part we don’t always see: many of those parents really mean it.

Think about the stay-at-home mom who just sent her child off to middle school for the first time. For years, she helped with class parties, cut out shapes for bulletin boards, and was in the loop on every school event. Suddenly—silence. Her child is older, the classroom doors don’t swing open the same way, and she’s sitting at home wondering:

• How do I stay connected to my kid now?

• Where do I fit in at this stage?

• Does anyone even want my help anymore?

  
  

And she’s not alone. The dad who runs a local business, the grandparent with extra time, the alumni who wants to give back—they’re all standing on the sidelines waiting for an invitation.

And guess what? Your ag program is the perfect place for them to plug in.

Why Volunteer Systems Change Everything

When you create a system for involving volunteers, you’re not just delegating tasks—you’re building a bridge.

• That mom who misses being involved? She could help with the greenhouse plant sale.

• The dad who runs a landscaping business? He could mentor students on SAE projects.

• The grandparent with flexible time? Perfect chaperone for a field trip.

  
  

The problem isn’t willingness—it’s access. Without a system, those offers to help slip through the cracks. And you’re still stuck doing it all alone.

What We’re Doing in September

That’s why, inside Rooted in the Classroom's Community Garden (my PD membership for ag teachers), our September challenge is all about building a volunteer system that works.

We’re walking step-by-step through how to:

• Identify your program’s biggest volunteer needs

• Collect parent and community skills with a ready-to-use form (both printable + Google Form)

• Organize your contacts so you always know who to call when you need something

• Recognize volunteers in meaningful, simple ways (we’ve got you covered with templates + certificates)

  
  

At the end, teachers walk away with a system that saves their sanity, and gives parents a meaningful way to connect with their kids again.

Why I’m Telling You This (Even Though Doors Are Closed)

Right now, the Roots Tier of the Community Garden is closed—we’ll open the "doors" again in January, 2026. But I wanted to share this sneak peek because I know too many ag teachers are running themselves into the ground trying to do everything alone.

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to.

There are people in your community who are waiting to be asked. They want to help you because AG class or FFA did something transformative for themselves or someone they love dearly. They just need the door opened.

And when you’ve got the right systems in place, you’re no longer a one-person show (and yes, this even applies to those multi-teacher programs). You’re leading a team.

So make a mental note for next year: when the Community Garden opens again, this is the kind of work we’ll be doing together—building systems that help you stress less, get your life back, and give others the joy of being part of your program.

Because ag education isn’t meant to be a solo act. And neither are you. 💛