U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson Receives
Congressional Voice for Children Award

To be Recognized during National PTA Event
at Nation’s Capital; March 7-8

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (March 6, 2012)—National PTA® this week is recognizing U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-5) for receiving the National PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award.

Representative Thompson has been a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee since being sworn into office in 2009. Earlier this year, Representative Thompson played a critical role in saving the Parent Information and Resource Centers from elimination when he supported the Platts Amendment during the Education and Workforce Committee’s markup of the Setting New Priorities in Education Spending Act. In addition, Representative Thompson has advocated for Title I formula fairness and college and career-ready initiatives. 

"We see that parents are very engaged early on in their child's education, but when they get to high school, that involvement tends to fade. At that time, we need to focus on getting parents out of the bleachers and reengaged in students academic lives. I commend the National PTA for working to ensure that parental involvement extends throughout the educational development of each child. I am quite honored to receive this award and look forward continuing our work on behalf of America’s young learners," said U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson.

Representative Thompson will be recognized, along with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), this week during National PTA’s® Legislative Conference (March 7-8) in Washington, DC.

The two-day conference provides ‘grasstop’ leaders from across the country an in-depth look at the latest National PTA Public Policy Agenda through a series of workshops, skill building trainings, panel discussions and guest speakers. Parent leaders will then visit with congressional leaders to advocate for effective family engagement in education and equity and opportunity in education for all children.

In addition, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will also meet with National PTA leaders and discuss the state of education during a special keynote address. For more information about the National PTA Legislative Conference, please visit www.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.

About the Congressional Voice for Children Award

The National PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award is given to two Members of Congress each year (bicameral, bipartisan) in recognition of outstanding leadership related to child and education advocacy.