Betsy Landers

From the start, Landers’ dedication to PTA has been unwavering. When she encountered challenges with her first PTA experience, she stayed with the group to ensure future volunteers had a better experience. When her children were transferred to a new school, she helped form its first PTA as secretary. When her children were transferred yet again, she led the way to forming its first PTA – this time as president. She then took on increasing responsibilities at Shelby County Council PTA, then at the Tennessee PTA Board of Managers simply because of her passion to be involved and her desire to foster a widespread culture of excellence at the local level.

As State President of Tennessee PTA, Landers led that organization in working with the State Board of Education and several legislators to write what would become the Parent Involvement Act, using the PTA National Standards as a model. Now Tennessee law, the Act mandates that all school districts in the state have a written parent involvement policy.

Though her involvement is now at the national office, Landers is quick to point out that the real power of PTA lies at the local level. “It’s the parents who dedicate themselves to improving their children’s education, PTA members who are committed to advocating for all children – those are the people who make a real difference.”

She is married to Ben G. Landers and has three children, Benton, Nicholas, and Mary Frances.