Hearing the phrase “Parent Teacher Association” (PTA) may evoke images of bake sales, fundraisers, and stay-at-home parents who have a little bit too much time on their hands. But, the PTA is so much more than fundraising events and friendly chit chat with fellow parents. It’s an organization that is dedicated to positively affecting the lives of students, teachers, parents, and other members of the community. With values such as collaboration, commitment, and accountability, members of the PTA strive to create a better environment for schools and the students they serve.
You may be on the fence about joining the PTA. Here are a few reasons why you should become involved with the local PTA at your child’s school:
- You can grow the relationship with your child by being more intentionally involved with their education.
- You can use the skills you’ve learned from your career for another cause, or you can learn different things while taking on new responsibilities.
- You’re making a meaningful impact in the community you live in.
Ready to take on the PTA? Here’s how to survive your first PTA meeting.
Conduct Basic Research
It’s crucial to have a good understanding of the school’s mission, goals, and background before submerging yourself into the PTA. Are you completely new to the area and need to first enroll your child in school? No problem. Schoolahoop is a school finder that helps you find K-5th grade schools located in Tarrant County. This new (and improving) app will take your requirements for your child’s dream school and provides you with several options in Tarrant County. Visit schoolahoop.org to start your school search.
Dress for Success
While the dress code for the PTA may be a more casual look than standard businesses, it’s still essential that you’re dressed to impress! You can’t go wrong with casual wear and business casual; if it’s appropriate business, then it’ll fit right in with the PTA. White House Black Market offers several business casual selections: you can find anything from work clothes, skirts, dress slacks, blazers, dress shoes, and so much more! Visit White House Black Market to shop through their amazing selection of business casual dresses. You’ll be sure to make a great impression at your first PTA meeting.
Have an Open Mind
PTAs across the nation are diverse. They’re comprised of a wide variety of parents and teachers with different backgrounds…and different ideas of what may be best for the community. Teamwork makes the dream work and it’s important to be willing to hear and relate to all the voices that are featured on the PTA platform. When you are more susceptible to welcoming different perspectives, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much you can learn and grow yourself.
Be Active
Participation is a huge key when joining the PTA. Your efforts will determine how you not only benefit from the organization but how well the organization serves the community. While you’re attending the first meeting, be sure to chime in during any open discussions or conversations. Look into which committee you’ll be interested in assisting (or even leading!). Participation will make your new membership much more meaningful.
Make Connections
One of the most important aspects of the PTA is that there’s a strong sense of community. They’re not just fellow parents or teachers; they’re your partners, teammates, and friends. Before your first PTA meeting ends, introduce yourself to as many members as you can. Networking is essential for following up with new connections and building relationships! Also, who’s to say that they won’t be able to help you with any outside ventures? Connecting with new people will be just as rewarding as positively affecting the community.
