Convention to feature Emerging Minority Leaders Conference, Youth Leadership Summit and Male Engagement Forum
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (May 2, 2014) — National PTA® is pleased to announce that Dr. Steve Constantino will keynote the association’s 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition on Friday, June 20 at the Convention Center in Austin, Texas. Dr. Constantino is one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers and thought leaders in the field of education. He has had unique success in the practical application of family engagement research.
“More than 40 years of research shows that family engagement in education is essential for student success, school improvement and the growth of communities,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. “Recognizing the important role families play, Dr. Constantino has worked tirelessly to apply this research and increase family engagement in schools and districts around the world. He has truly made a difference for children, schools and communities through family engagement, and we are honored to have him keynote this year’s Convention.”
Dr. Constantino is the architect of “The Five Simple Principles to Engage Every Family,” a series of measurable applications that help schools and districts increase their family engagement efforts and outcomes. His work is well documented in magazines, periodicals and journals. He has appeared at hundreds of conferences, worked directly with schools and districts in 40 states, and has traveled around the world working to raise the achievement of students by building a strong efficacy for families.
Presently, Dr. Constantino is the superintendent of the Williamsburg-James City County School District in Williamsburg, Va. He continues to make it a priority to not only raise awareness for family engagement, but to help schools and communities put into place successful family engagement practices that lead to the achievement of all students.
The 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition will be held from June 19 through 22 at the Austin Convention Center. In addition to hearing from Dr. Constantino and other speakers, attendees will participate in a wide variety of workshops, including sessions on advocating for every child, enhancing leadership, growing schools of excellence and empowering a generation of good digital citizens.
This year, the 2014 Emerging Minority Leaders Conference will be held in conjunction with the Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition. Through interactive workshops and special guest speakers, the conference empowers ethnically diverse PTA leaders, educators and parents to be strong leaders in their communities. Author and motivational speaker Elizabeth A. Campbell will keynote this year’s event and speak to attendees about effective leadership through diversity and inclusion. Attendees also will hear from Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr., vice president of diversity and community outreach for Seton Healthcare Family in Texas.
The 2014 Convention also will feature the second annual Youth Leadership Summit, an interactive leadership and advocacy training that prepares students to become active and engaged PTSA leaders in their schools and communities. During the summit, students will participate in workshops and group projects. They also will hear from keynote speaker James Robilotta, who has spoken to thousands of students across the country about the importance of leadership.
Additionally, a Male Engagement Forum will be held during the 2014 Convention as well as a Reflections Arts in Education Luncheon at which students will be honored for their outstanding works of art.
For more information about the 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition, visit PTA.org.
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.