ARIZONA PTA


History

For more than a 105 years, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has provided support, information and resources to families focused on the health and education of children. The organization was founded in 1897 in Washington DC as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst. If not for these women and their vision and determination, there would not be a PTA—an organization that has been woven into the very fabric of American life.

By whatever name it has been known,  PTA was created to meet a profound challenge: to better the lives of children. And today, it continues to flourish because PTA has never lost sight of its goal: to change the lives of children across our great nation for the better.


 

MISSION


·         A powerful voice for all children

·         A relevant resource for families Communities, and

·         A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child


PTA PURPOSES


·         To promote the welfare of the children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship

·         To raise the standards of home life

·         To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth

·         To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education

Types of PTAs

Local PTAs
PTA at the local level is linked to the state PTA and the national PTA organization, forming a nationwide network of members working on behalf of all children and youth.

Because of its connections to the state and national PTAs, the local PTA is a valuable resource to its school community with:

1. access to programs to benefit children, youth, and their families

2. Recognition and size to influence the formulation of laws, policies, and practices—education or legislative.

Early Childhood PTAs
Preschool groups often round up parents from several neighborhoods and various early-childhood programs. They involve child-care providers, grandparents, and others concerned with the education and development of children from birth to age five.

Elementary/Middle School PTAs
PTAs serve as a type of forum where parents, teachers, administrators, and other concerned adults discuss ways to promote quality education, strive to expand the arts, encourage community involvement, and work for a healthy environment and safe neighborhoods.

Parent-Teacher-Student Associations
PTSAs actually provide youth members with the opportunity to make a difference by developing leadership skills, learning about the legislative process, increasing their self-esteem, and contributing to the school. In turn, adult members gain a new perspective for program development, as well as acquire a better understanding of the youth of today.

Special Education PTAs
PTA believes that all children have the right to a quality public education, which allows each child the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential. Special Education PTAs are designed to help parents advocate for special-needs children.