PTA General Info
What is PTA?
PTA is a grassroots organization made
up of parents, teachers and others who have a special interest in children,
families and schools. PTA membership is as diverse as Washington State is in
cultures, education levels, and parenting skills. By joining a PTA, a member
automatically becomes part of the largest child-advocacy organization in the
state- over 150,000 strong across Washington.
What does PTA do?
PTAs work for children. PTAs meet
together, study problems, support teachers, volunteers in school, attend
workshops on parenting and become informed on issues regarding children and
youth. As a result, PTA members become better parents, teachers and citizens.
How is PTA
structured?
Most local unit PTAs meet at a school
campus. Groups of local unit PTAs often join together to form councils. Above
councils, there are 13 Region Directors who have a Service Delivery Team
representing individuals across their Region. Finally there is a volunteer
Washington State PTA Board of Directors which consists of all 13 Region
Directors, President, Vice President, Finance Officer, Secretary, Leadership
Director, Membership Director, Program Director and Leadership Director.
WSPTA also has a professional office staff in Tacoma that supports the work of
the Association.
When was PTA
formed?
February 17, 1897 in Washington D.C.
Two thousand women and a few men met to discuss the nation’s future and the
need for all caring adults to mobilize and to act on behalf of children. Thus,
the National PTA was formed, soon followed by the Washington State PTA in 1905.
Why should I get
involved?
Studies have proven that membership
in PTA provides your child and other children around you with a greater chance
of achieving in school. As a PTA member, you are more likely to be an
informed, involved parent. More than ever, it is important for parents to
learn ways to keep children safe, trouble free and involved in school. PTA is
the best place to gain that knowledge.
How can I benefit?
PTA provides opportunities to meet
and talk with other parents who have the same worries as you. By sharing
common concerns, you will feel more empowered to do the tough job of
parenting. PTA also provides educational opportunities. From local-level
parent education meetings to the Washington State PTA Convention, PTA
encourages learning and the sharing of accomplishments. PTA will introduce you
to a great variety of new activities and opportunities to share your special
talents. PTA will give you opportunity, not only to impact your local
community, but to have input in major legislative and policy issues affecting
children throughout the state.
How do I get
involved?
Contact your local PTA president or
the Washington State PTA office at 800.562.3804.
Goals of the PTA
~To Promote the
welfare of Children in home, school, community and Place of Worship.
~To raise the
standard of home life.
~To Secure adequate
laws for the protection of children and youth.
~To bring closer
relation the home and school, that parents and teachers may cooperate
intelligently in the education of children and youth.
~To develop between
educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all
children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and
spiritual education.