How to Get Involved in the PTA
The PTA, or Parent Teacher Association, at any school is an active group of concerned parents, teachers and staff. The purpose of the PTA is to support the school and enhance the educational opportunities of the students. An effective way to be involved with a child's school is to volunteer with the PTA. Here's how to get involved.
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Instructions
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You should receive information on how to join the PTA within the first few days of school. Call the school if you do not. You will fill in a basic contact form and pay a small fee to join the PTA. This fee is annual and covers state and National PTA dues. The remainder of PTA dues goes to the school. Both parents and grandparents can join to help support the school. Students cannot join.
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Write PTA meeting dates on a calendar and plan to attend. Children are usually welcome at meetings. Some PTAs provide child care during meetings for parents' convenience (this can be your suggestion if your school’s PTA does not).
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Find out from your child’s teacher, the school’s front office or PTA officers where help is needed. Often PTAs have a volunteer chairperson who can point you toward volunteer opportunities that match your interests and time constraints.
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Consider volunteering for committee or officer positions. Most committee heads and executive officers change at the end of the school year to prepare for the next year. Find out more about the responsibilities of each position from the volunteer committee chairperson or at the National PTA Website (see resources).
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Help create new PTA volunteer positions if you see a need at your child's school (for example, for reading or math tutors). All PTAs have an executive board, but most also have committees that are unique to the particular school.
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Stay alert to upcoming PTA events and fundraisers. Read the newsletter and other PTA communications. The best way to keep up with your child's school is through volunteering.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk to committee chairs to understand how much work is involved in each position before volunteering. Some positions require very little time; others require monthly or weekly commitments.
PTA membership entitles you to discounts and offers from some businesses. For more information, see the national PTA Website.
Be aware that most school systems require a background check for criminal activity before you work directly with students. Ask the school office for more information.
