How do you see elementary teachers who do...

As someone who is trying to connect with her kids on their level. That stuff is funny to a 3rd grader!

I agree!

Elementary kids can be very motivated by these crazy stunts. We once did a reading challenge for our students. When they met and then exceeded the challenge, our prinicipal got a pie in the face.

This comes straight from a child's mouth, "I understand something small like a pie in the face or soaking with water. Something like a dunk tank is wasteful and the money could be better spent on something more useful. I think that a teacher who would take a pie in the face likes to teach and likes to make kids happy." Another one just chimed in, "They are a good teacher because they want to have fun with the kids and reward them for their hard work." I'll post again later, when I have more time, to add my own view.

Before I retired our school had teachers or principal kiss a pig, pied in the face, turned into a human sundae, duct taped to the wall, dye their hair purple/green, P spent the day on the roof... among other things.  The kids LOVE it.  The teachers dressed up at Halloween, participated in the school talent show, and otherwise made total fools of ourselves at one time or another.  The kids talk about it for weeks and write about it, too.

I agree with the above.

Fun, easy going, trying to connect with the kids.

My DH is an elementary school teacher and has done the pies and dunk tank.
He's also dressed up and performed as Elvis in a jumpsuit, worn a gorilla suit, dyed his hair and other stunts for students.

Both his students and our own kids love it.

Think about it this way, do you think it ruins their authority for a mom to do something totally silly and let loose with their children?

My own children's elementary school had a dunk tank each fall at the back-to-school picnic. I always felt sorry for the teachers that volunteered to sit in it, because all I could think as I saw them was that I could only imagine the pressure they felt to sit in that tank. Whether they're good sports or not, it's a positive act of PR for them to volunteer-- so I'm sure that crosses their minds when making the decision. 

I won't lie-- I wouldn't volunteer for a dunk tank. There are certain other things I'd do, but not that. Every time I went to that picnic back when my girls were in elementary school, it was always freezing cold out. I also feel that I work very hard at my job both while I'm there and virtually every evening for a few hours (it's what I'm doing now).  That's what's important.  

Well, I am one b of the few teachers left in a "competition" to have ice water dumped on me tomorrow at lunch... hoping on someone else winning, but I will do it if chosen.

I think it is a great idea and makes the kids see them more than just authoritative figures. My son got his picture in the local paper dumping ice cream over a teachers head. It makes for great memories and I think brings kids closer to, and more open, to their teachers.

My kids love that sort of thing.

You're a good sport to do this.