How to Become PTA President

The PTA, or Parent Teacher Association, is a national non-profit organization that has helped improve many schools over the course of it's history. Working together, parents, teachers and administrators provide solutions to common school problems. Join the PTA and get involved in the improvement of your child's school. If leadership is one of your strengths, set your sights on becoming PTA president.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Join the PTA. If you want to be PTA President, become a member of the organization. Most schools hold a PTA membership drive at the beginning of every school year. Become an active PTA member by signing a simple form and paying the required dues. If your child's school does not hold an annual PTA membership drive, inquire at your child's school office about how to join the PTA

2. Attend the monthly meetings. PTA meetings are typically held once a month. If you have your sights set on being PTA President, make your presence known. Volunteer to be on PTA committees and commit yourself to putting in extra time. PTA volunteers are typically some of the most active parents within the school. Some of their projects include raising money for the school, organizing school-wide events, providing the school with needed supplies and sponsoring collection drives that benefit the school community.

3. Volunteer at your child's school as much as possible. Outside of the PTA, there are many opportunities to volunteer at the school. Some ways to contribute include, tutoring in your child's classroom, helping with with administrative tasks such as copying and cutting, monitoring the cafeteria and serving as a crossing guard, among many others. If you want to be PTA president, show parents and teachers that you are truly committed to the school.

4. Hold a PTA office. Almost every PTA president holds a lower office before they take on such a big responsibility. There are many opportunities to serve on your PTA executive board. Some offices include, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Historian. Serve as an officer to prove your leadership to other parents and to learn how the PTA officers do their jobs.

5. Throw your hat in the ring. If you've established your reputation as a committed parent and proven leader at the school, it's time to run for office. Nominations for PTA officers are typically held at the end of the every school year, so that new officers are in place before the beginning of the next school year.

Tips & Warnings

• A PTA President puts in many hours on her child's campus each school year. Holding the office often requires your daily presence on campus. Do not take on the job of PTA President if you do not have the time to commit to it. It will be a disservice both to you and your child's school.

Resources

• Learn more about the National P.T.A. organization