A Position of Influence and Great Importance by Mrs. Dorothy Barron
“You can’t lead where you don’t go or teach what you don’t know” (Mrs. Dorothy Barron).
Parents, one of the most important and influential positions that you can hold in the arena of Education- School is President of your child’s Parent-School Association or Organization, commonly known as the PTA or PTO. Now don’t everyone jump up and go running down to your child’s school to assume the position. First, one has to be nominated and then elected to the office. Second, the PTA or PTO President’s position is one of leadership, great importance, responsibility and influence. Therefore, do not accept the position if you are not willing to prepare and lead. On the other hand, do not shy away from accepting the nomination and position (if elected), if you desire to make a difference in Education and your child’s school and willing to learn.
Parent-School Associations or Organizations are no longer, nor should they be solely concerned with fundraising. The face of Education has and continues to change. As the Parent-School Organization or Association President, you, officers and other Parents should be on the cutting edge, front-end, partners, sitting at the table and major decision makers as to what occurs in Education, with your school and children. Such entails becoming well-informed, knowledgeable and educated about the Education process. As PTA or PTO President of your child/ren’s school:
Ÿ Are you prepared for the position or most importantly, are you willing to learn?
Ÿ Do you understand your role as President and what the position entails?
Ÿ How much time can you devote to your child’s Parent-School Organization, both inside and outside the school?
Ÿ Is the Association or Organization’s Legislative Committee as important as your Membership and Fundraising Committees; have you and your officers planned and organized in advance of the school year; met with the school principal, etc., and etc?
Ÿ Do you and other parents sit school committees?
Tip: PTA or PTO President, if your school PTA or PTO does not produce a newsletter, consider producing one and circulating it in an effort to get community involved with and informed about your school’s activities?
Why is President of your child’s Parent-School Association or Organization a position of influence and of great importance?
Ÿ Being PTA or PTO President enables you to assist and work with all sectors both within and outside the school setting.
Ÿ The PTA or PTO President, school principal and school staff can work together as Partners in Education.
Ÿ You can become a major decision maker and assist with charting the direction for Education, your school and students.
Ÿ You can assist and build relationships with Parents and garner their involvement.
Ÿ You can build bridges to connect Parents, Schools and Community.
Ÿ You can serve as Liaison between the school and businesses and/or community.
Ÿ You can present Parental concerns at school board, community and public meetings.
The position of PTA or PTO President is one of influence and great importance. Being well-informed and educated about the Education process and involved with your child/ren’s school(s) can further expand your influence. Your and other Parents becoming well-informed, knowledgeable and educated about the Education process and your schools can alleviate some frustrations, helplessness and hopelessness, which many experience in and with their child/ren’s school(s) and Education and also assist you and others with becoming proactive as opposed to reactive.
Note: In June of 2011, Parents Taking Charge in Education will announce the Parental Mini-Guide Books Series #2. One of three titles: Leading Your Child’s Parent-School Organization or Association: Basic Qualities Needed for Effective Leadership by Mrs. Dorothy Barron. Mrs. Barron also coaches and conducts workshops to PTAs/PTOs.
Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author and Founder of Parents Taking Charge in Education
E-Mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com
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