The PTA Advantage
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.
Find out why you should join PTA and the great benefits you get as a result of being a member. You can also donate to National PTA.
Types of PTAs
PTA members — parents, teachers, administrators, and other concerned adults — join together to promote quality education, strive to expand the arts, encourage community involvement, and work for a healthy environment and safe neighborhoods.
All PTAs in Maine are linked to the Maine PTA and the National PTA, forming a nationwide network of members working on behalf of all children and youth. These connections help make the local PTA a valuable resource to its school community by providing, for example:
- access to programs to benefit children, youth, and their families,
- support and training,
- name recognition and strength in numbers to influence the formulation of laws, policies, and practices.
Local PTAs
School-based, these PTAs are independent of the school but coordinate with, and support the students of, a particular school or school district.
Early Childhood PTAs
Preschool groups often include parents from several neighborhoods and various early-childhood programs. They involve child-care providers, grandparents, and others concerned with the education and development of children from birth to age five.
Parent-Teacher-Student Associations
PTSAs provide youth members with the opportunity to make a difference by developing leadership skills, learning about the legislative process, increasing their self-esteem, and contributing to the school. In turn, adult members gain a new perspective for program development, as well as acquire a better understanding of the youth of today.
Special Education PTAs
PTA believes that all children have the right to a quality public education allowing each child the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential. Special Education PTAs are designed to help parents advocate for special needs children.
All members of local PTAs are members of the Maine PTA and the National PTA.
Establishing a PTA
Contact the Maine PTA president Tracy Walker to start a PTA: tracywalkerptamaine@gmail.com; 207-890-9021, or contact the National PTA at info@pta.org; (703) 518-1200.