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?
Inside an Illinois PTA Board Meeting
Most PTA leaders have met a couple of Illinois PTA State Board of Directors members. Maybe you’ve called your district or region director about a problem in your PTA or have gotten a reminder from them to make sure your tax form is filed on time. Perhaps you’ve gotten a call to action from the … Continue reading Inside an Illinois PTA Board Meeting
Why Don’t Volunteers Stick Around?
It is generally agreed that no one of us can motivate another. The most we can do is to stimulate others to action, but individuals must provide the motivation for themselves. Volunteers are obviously motivated by something other than a paycheck, such as self-esteem, recognition, approval, acceptance, and pride in a job well done. A … Continue reading Why Don’t Volunteers Stick Around?
Reflecting on Your PTA Role in the New Year
With the school year at the halfway point and many of us making New Year’s resolutions, it’s also a good opportunity to take time to reflect on how you are doing in your PTA role. Use the self-assessment questions below as well as those to ask of others on how you are doing to reflect … Continue reading Reflecting on Your PTA Role in the New Year
Thanking Your Volunteers
The holidays are a time for reflection and gratitude. It’s also the midpoint of the school year, which makes it a good time as a PTA leader to take a bit of time to think about what you’ve accomplished so far and what lies ahead. A good part of your PTA’s success depends on your … Continue reading Thanking Your Volunteers
20 John Wooden Quotes to Share with Your Child
Legendary UCLA men’s basketball coach John Wooden accomplished a lot on the court—10 NCAA championships in 12 years, including an unprecedented seven in a row, and being named national coach of the year six times. For his players, though, it was what he taught them off the court that had a greater effect on their … Continue reading 20 John Wooden Quotes to Share with Your Child
What is Illinois PTA University?
The Illinois PTA University is an incentive program to encourage leadership development. The program is divided into three levels—Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and Doctorate Degree. Each level recognizes the accomplishment of PTA members who have completed its requirements. Those requirements include attendance at a variety of workshops, training courses, and PTA events. Any PTA member … Continue reading What is Illinois PTA University?
Planning and Running Your First PTA Meeting
If you’re a new PTA president, you probably have your first meeting of the year coming up soon. Here are some tips to get you ready to run that first meeting. Planning the Meeting Make sure your meeting date doesn’t conflict with other events. Get announcements of the meeting out early. Remember that not everyone … Continue reading Planning and Running Your First PTA Meeting
Top 10 Tips for Middle School PTA Success
Middle school is different from elementary school for kids—they’re changing classrooms, managing a locker, and meeting new people from other elementary schools. It’s different for parents as well. New activities like band or sports may pull parents who have been involved in PTA at the elementary level away at the middle school level. Here are … Continue reading Top 10 Tips for Middle School PTA Success
Plan Now for PTA Success in the Fall
With the school year coming to a close and summer activities to look forward to, many PTA leaders may be looking to put their feet up for the next few months. But summer provides an excellent time for PTA leaders to make their lives easier once school starts back up. By doing some planning for … Continue reading Plan Now for PTA Success in the Fall
News from the Illinois PTA Convention—Incoming President’s Speech
At the conclusion of the 2017 Illinois PTA Convention, incoming Illinois PTA President Brian Minsker addressed the delegates. Following the speech, many in the audience urged us to share his message with all Illinois PTA members. I’m willing to bet that almost every person in this room would say that they got involved with PTA … Continue reading News from the Illinois PTA Convention—Incoming President’s Speech
7 Keys to Successful Delegating
Even if you’re not a PTA president, December is a busy time of year, filled with holiday shopping and decorating, end of semester projects, holiday concerts, and more. If you’ve got a PTA meeting and a PTA event or two, it can be overwhelming. The key to avoiding burnout as a PTA president is to … Continue reading 7 Keys to Successful Delegating
4 Things Not to Do When Dealing with an Angry Volunteer
From the National PTA president down to the local unit, PTA is a volunteer association. PTA can’t do what it does without volunteers, and Illinois PTA has shared information on: Getting more volunteers Overcoming objections Making the most of your volunteers Recognizing your volunteers Most of the time, PTA volunteers are happy to share their … Continue reading 4 Things Not to Do When Dealing with an Angry Volunteer
Illinois PTA Launches PTA Essentials Video Series
Illinois PTA offers free training, both in person and online, but realizes that not everyone’s schedule aligns with training opportunities. Today, Illinois PTA launches its PTA Essentials video series with two financial help videos on its YouTube channel: Handling PTA Funds The PTA Audit PTA Essentials is a series of short videos that provide critical … Continue reading Illinois PTA Launches PTA Essentials Video Series
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