Back In Session: The Low-Down on the PTA

School is back in session, and so are Parent-Teacher Associations , better known as the PTA. As a parent, former educator, and educational advocate, I find that the PTA is oftentimes disregarded and not seen for its huge impact on building better students and teachers. Growing up, all I saw was that my mom would visit the school once a month at night, her and the other parents would come up with fundraising ideas and programs. But when I became a mom of an elementary school-aged child, I realized that there is more to the PTA than putting on fundraisers and programs. The organization is a building block that serves as a financial resource and a champion for teachers and staff.

We know that our children need well-rounded nurturing that not only comes from school, but also the parents and community. The PTA serves as a bridge to the gap. Not only does it serve as meeting ground for all, but it finds ways to help all facets to come together in working with our children. In our society today, parents are so occupied in making ends meet to provide financially for their children, that they sometimes miss out on building them up academically. Oftentimes, the only communication that happens between a parent and a teacher is when the child is misbehaving or grades are failing – which should never be the only time to communicate. Did you know that the PTA can sponsor workshops for parents to learn tips on how to become more engaged with their children academically? Or they can host forums or virtual chats to find solutions to parental engagement? Or perhaps teacher-parent communication strategy brunches or lunches?

Being a part of the PTA benefits in nurturing even our educators. Providing goodies on holidays and Teacher Appreciation Day is not enough. They need motivation; and they need resources to be able to teach. Federal funding in some states are next to none, and without resources, it is difficult to reach every learning style of our children to make sure they are getting an equal and beneficial education. Our teachers also need additional training and preparation. And standardized testing? Well, you know we are in the age of it. Teachers need to be kept up-to-date on new teaching techniques, strategies, and requirements. Some may not realize this, but some, if not all, of those trainings cost money. Everyone knows teachers do not make six-figure salaries, and the responsibility of having to handle their own financial needs and trying to be proficient in their profession can be overwhelming. PTA members can use funds to provide stipends to after-school tutors or develop a volunteer classroom assistants program where there is not an assigned assistant, which can be a tremendous help to our educators so that they can focus on actually teaching.

The PTA can be a powerful force to develop resources to help with classroom discipline, teacher-student communication and relationship skills, academic performance training, and so much more. Public schools get a bad rap across the nation, but we all have a part to play in making it better. There is so much to do with and for the PTA, so have you joined your school’s local chapter? Is not your child worth it?