Once again, PTA leaders planning for the coming year are faced with a lot of uncertainty. From the growing prevalence of the delta variant to breakthrough infections in vaccinated people and shifting recommendations on mask wearing, it is difficult to know how your coming school year will play out. Much of what Illinois PTA shared with … Continue reading Planning for Your PTA Year
National PTA Position Statement on Addressing Institutional Racism
On July 27th, National PTA adopted a position statement on addressing institutional racism. The statement reaffirms National PTA’s commitment to listen, educate, and advocate beyond rhetoric and to rise to correct all inequities and injustices. “As an association that represents all children and families, it is our duty to disrupt the systems that propagate institutional … Continue reading National PTA Position Statement on Addressing Institutional Racism
Running Your PTA When School is Closed—Part 5: Wrapping Up the Year
Illinois PTA is continuing its efforts to support our PTAs and PTA Councils by answering questions you may have about running your PTA in this unprecedented situation. Our previous parts of this ongoing series are here: Part 1: Meetings & Elections Part 2: Fundraising & Unused Funds Part 3: Audit & Budget Part 4: Additional … Continue reading Running Your PTA When School is Closed—Part 5: Wrapping Up the Year
Running Your PTA When School is Closed—Part 4: Additional Financial Issues
Illinois PTA is continuing its efforts to support our PTAs and PTA Councils by answering questions you may have about running your PTA in this unprecedented situation. Our previous parts of this ongoing series are here: Part 1: Meetings & Elections Part 2: Fundraising & Unused Funds Part 3: Audit & Budget If you have … Continue reading Running Your PTA When School is Closed—Part 4: Additional Financial Issues
Running Your PTA When School is Closed—Part 3: Audit & Budget
Illinois PTA is continuing its efforts to support our PTAs and PTA Councils by answering questions you may have about running your PTA in this unprecedented situation. Our previous parts of this ongoing series are here: Part 1: Meetings & Elections Part 2: Fundraising & Unused Funds If you have questions not addressed here, please … Continue reading Running Your PTA When School is Closed—Part 3: Audit & Budget
Running Your PTA When School is Closed—Part 2: Fundraising & Unused Funds
Illinois PTA is continuing its efforts to support our PTAs and PTA Councils by answering questions you may have about running your PTA in this unprecedented situation. Our previous part of this ongoing series is here: Part 1: Meetings and Elections If you have questions not addressed here, please contact your Region or District Director … Continue reading Running Your PTA When School is Closed—Part 2: Fundraising & Unused Funds
Running Your PTA When School is Closed
The COVID-19 pandemic has closed schools across Illinois, and as of this writing, it appears that schools may be closed for the remainder of the school year. That has left many PTAs and PTA Councils wondering how they can handle their business when school is closed and in-person meetings are not permitted or advisable. Like … Continue reading Running Your PTA When School is Closed
Solving Your Lack of Volunteers Problem
Getting people to volunteer at your events is a continual struggle for many PTAs. In fact, fear of being asked to volunteer is one of the reasons people don’t join the PTA. While PTA membership doesn’t require someone to volunteer, we still do need some folks to step up to run things. So how do … Continue reading Solving Your Lack of Volunteers Problem
Is Your PTA a Clique?
Today’s guest post comes from Washington State PTA with some advice on how to avoid having your PTA seen as a clique. Sometimes, the reason more people don’t join your PTA is because they feel unwelcome. Whether warranted or not, your PTA may have a reputation as a clique. Overcoming this common issue can be … Continue reading Is Your PTA a Clique?
A PTA President’s Guide to Being an Ex-
As the school year wraps up, many PTA presidents will soon be ex-PTA presidents. And while the job description for an ex-PTA president sounds simple—stop running the PTA—some PTA presidents struggle to do that, especially if they are still at the school where they were president. Here’s a handy guide to being a successful ex-PTA … Continue reading A PTA President’s Guide to Being an Ex-
Building Your PTA Leadership Skills
Perhaps you’ve just been nominated or elected president of your PTA. Maybe you’re thinking about running for PTA president next year. Or maybe you’re headed into your second term and want to do things differently this year. However you’ve arrived at the position, being a PTA president will require you to develop your leadership skills. … Continue reading Building Your PTA Leadership Skills
Parliamentary Procedure for Beginners
As a PTA leader, you probably know that you are supposed to use parliamentary procedure in your meetings, but looking at the more than 800 pages of Robert’s Rules of Orderin the PTA materials the previous PTA president passed on to you might have you thinking, “Really?” Yes, really, but parliamentary procedure isn’t nearly as … Continue reading Parliamentary Procedure for Beginners
Nominations and Elections—A How to Guide for PTAs
One of the critical roles given to a PTA’s general membership is the election of its officers, a process that begins with the election of the nominating committee by the general membership. Nominating and electing a good slate of officers is essential for a PTA’s success. Nominations and Elections Timeline Because the nomination and election … Continue reading Nominations and Elections—A How to Guide for PTAs
New Report Provides Additional Data Supporting Illinois PTA’s Emerging Adults Recommendations
Since the release of our 2017 Report on Young Adults Involved in the Justice System, Illinois PTA has been a leader in speaking out for differentiated treatment of those youth ages 18 to 25 involved in the justice system. Last Thursday, Illinois PTA President Brian Minsker participated in the Juvenile Justice Initiative(JJI) Reimagine Justice Summit … Continue reading New Report Provides Additional Data Supporting Illinois PTA’s Emerging Adults Recommendations
PTA Board Responsibilities
For many PTA volunteers, serving on the PTA board is “just another volunteer job.” But in reality, your PTA board is running a non-profit organization, and with that comes responsibilities. Part of those responsibilities will be spelled out in your PTA bylaws and standing rules. Board Sourceprovides many free resources to help your board understand … Continue reading PTA Board Responsibilities
Building an Effective PTA Board
As the school year begins, it’s important to get your PTA working effectively. A key part of that effectiveness is having a good PTA board made up of your officers and chairpersons. Here are some important things to keep in mind as you build your PTA board and start working together. Get the Right People … Continue reading Building an Effective PTA Board
The Importance of Teacher Leadership for Student Success
It’s sometimes said that teachers reach the pinnacle of their career the first day they walk into their classroom. Unless they wanted to go into administration, a classroom teacher had no advancement track. But that is changing in many school districts as they begin to embrace teacher leadership. What is Teacher Leadership? Teacher leadership can … Continue reading The Importance of Teacher Leadership for Student Success
Top 10 Reasons to Attend the Illinois PTA Convention
The 116thAnnual Illinois PTA Conventionis coming up May 4-5 at the NIU-Naperville Conference Center. If your PTA doesn’t have someone attending convention yet, here are the top ten reasons why you should. The early bird discount ends April 6th, so register today! Meet keynote speaker Dr. Devorah Heitner.In addition to giving the keynote … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons to Attend the Illinois PTA Convention
Rekindling the Flame
Feeling overwhelmed by your PTA responsibilities? Winter’s cold and snow got you feeling down? Use these tips to rekindle the flame of PTA Leadership! Dare to Try New Things Try something new to develop a stronger and more vital PTA. Have a brainstorming session with your board or your members to discover new ways of … Continue reading Rekindling the Flame
What Am I?
I am the link which unites and presents a clearly defined image of PTA work to the community. I provide strong, inspiring leadership. I am understanding and compassionate to unit problems. I work with the district board realizing that through cooperation, we may achieve the purposes of the PTA. I refrain … Continue reading What Am I?
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