National PTA Heads to the White House

PTA leaders from across the US dialogue with Administration
officials on education reform, honor 12 PTA Champions of Change

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (August 7, 2012)—More than 150 Parent Teacher Association (PTA) leaders representing 41 states, Washington, D.C., and Department of Defense schools in Europe will head to the White House on Friday, August 10th for a day-long briefing with top Administration officials to discuss challenges facing our nation’s schools and communities.

PTA  will tackle topics such as the potential impact of sequestration on public education, implementation of Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) Flexibility, family engagement in education, school nutrition, student health and safety, and more. Top White House and Department of Education officials will engage in open dialogue with PTA volunteers from the local, state, and national levels in an effort to glean valuable insights from the nation’s parents and families.
 
“National PTA is honored that the White House and U.S. Department of Education are opening their doors in recognition of the often unsung efforts of more than five million PTA members across the country. Today’s PTA makes a difference everywhere, from the playground to the White House.  We’re thankful for this opportunity and look forward to open dialogue on how to improve the lives of every child and family.” said National PTA President Betsy Landers.

During the day’s events, 12 PTA members will be honored as White House Champions of Change for their dedication to improving educational equity and opportunity for all children through involvement in PTA. These parents, teachers, and community members are exemplary PTA volunteers who have dedicated time, talent and a powerful voice to improving educational equity and opportunity for every child through meaningful family engagement in education. 

“President Obama knows how important parent involvement is in education, and we are excited to welcome PTA leaders who are setting such great examples in their communities to the White House,” said Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President. “The PTA Champions of Change we are honoring have collaborated with school administrators and community leaders, launched innovative advocacy campaigns, and worked tirelessly to grow their local PTAs to involve more parents in their children’s education.”

To connect with PTA members around the country, Director of the Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Munoz with participate in a live “Open for Questions” event moderated by National PTA President Betsy Landers. The PTA is soliciting questions from their members about child advocacy and education and also on Twitter with the hashtag #WHPTA.

Watch the events live and learn more at WhiteHouse.gov/Champions. Live stream events include PTA leaders briefing at 9:30 a.m. EDT, “Open for Questions” online Q&A at 12:00 p.m. EDT and the Champions of Change event at 2:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 10. People around the country can join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #WHPTA.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.