The Parent Teacher Association

An historic organization, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was founded more than 100 years ago in 1897 in Washington DC as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst. From its beginning until now, PTA provides support, information and resources to families focused on the health and education of children. Aligning with the vision and determination, of its founders, PTA is an organization that has been woven into the very fabric of American life.

Throughout its history, National 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.

There are various types of PTAs. Together, we continue to work toward PTA's goal of a quality education and nurturing environment for every child.

Membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission and purposes of Parent Teacher Association. Individual members may belong to any number of PTAs and pay dues in each. Every person who joins a local PTA automatically becomes a member of both the state and national 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:

► Access to programs to benefit children, youth, and their families

► 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.

PTA's Nonsectarian Policy

PTA welcomes into membership people representing a diversity of cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and political and religious beliefs. The purposes of the PTA acknowledge the importance of a spiritual life in the development of children and youth. As an association, PTA has the right to offer inspirational messages to open or close its meetings, but such messages by PTA leaders or invited religious leaders should be inspirational rather than sectarian, recognizing that in this pluralistic nation not all members share the same beliefs. Poetry, quotations from great men and women, uplifting anecdotes, and moments of quiet meditation can be used.