This week NBC is hosting Education Nation, a nationally broadcast, in-depth conversation about improving education in America and we’re participating by sharing resources for volunteering in schools.

Even after you know you want to volunteer in a school, getting started can be intimidating.

Many people don’t know who to contact or where to begin.

Keep in mind that schools don’t always have a single person designated to manage volunteers, so you may have to be determined, persistent and patient.

(But it’s worth it!)

Here are a few ways to approach your local school about volunteering:

Attend a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting

By attending a PTA meeting, you will meet parents, guardians, teachers, and school leaders and learn about opportunities to get involved.

Approach a teacher, principal, or other staff member

Teachers and principals can often get you plugged in right away doing things like helping in a classroom or preparing projects and organizing curricula.

Principals may also know of a specific teacher, school secretary, librarian, special area teacher, or club/sport leader who could use your assistance.

If you have your own ideas about how you’d like to contribute, be sure to inform the teacher or principal.

Approach an existing club leader or coach

If you have a specific skill or talent that you would like to share, approach a club leader or sports coach.

There may be opportunities for you to lead projects, supervise activities, serve as trip coordinators or provide resources.

Attend a school board meeting

School districts often seek input and ideas from parents and community members.

By attending a school board meeting, you will meet school leaders and fellow community members and learn of new ways you can work with schools.

To find a school-based volunteer project, contact your local HandsOn Network Action Center.

For more ways to get involved, visit NBC’s Education Nation site.