Being a Teacher on the PTSA Executive Board

Well, happy Monday, y'all!

Today I want to talk about my experience as a board member for PTSA. Most teachers who work at schools with PTAs/PTSAs are members, but very few teachers go past paying dues and occasionally volunteering. When we started our first ever PTSA this fall, there was a void for one of the offices - Ways and Means - that I ended up filling mostly due to need and not really due to want to do the job. After all, like any good teacher, I didn't want the kids to suffer because it didn't get filled. I've found that my experience has been really fulfilling, and I think it's important for other teachers to hear why they should consider running for an office, too.

1.) I get a major voice in the PTSA. I'm one of the top dogs, so I'm one of the people proposing programs and convincing others to get behind projects that I want to see happen. For example, our PTSA is doing $250 mini grants to teachers for use in the classroom instead of random funding. I know that will ensure a wider spread of our funds yet have a large effect in each classroom funded. And the number isn't arbitrary - a lot of bigger resources come in just under $250, and for those of us that need more technology, the cost of a new Chromebook!

2.) I've built so many valuable relationships with community members and parents that are not in my home room. I now have so many connections that are there to help, which gives me a bigger voice in my school in a different way.

3.) The credibility of the organization goes up, especially in Ways and Means (fundraising), when a teacher is guaranteeing that everything is helping the school. Of course this in no way means that without a teacher, the PTSA isn't doing what they are supposed to do. That would be absolutely ridiculous! It does mean that for some reason, the community and business partners take it a little more seriously.

4.) The time commitment hasn't been nearly as much as I thought it would be. A lot of my fundraisers are things I can set up in a quick phone call and then attend the night of the event. We only have one labor-intensive event coming and it's really not bad!

I would urge you to consider giving back to your PTA/PTSA in a higher capacity. After all, you can't expect an organization to invest in you if you don't invest in it!

What are some excellent ideas that you've seen your parent organization conduct in the past? I'd love to hear of new or creative ways to do things!