Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers

The Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers, more commonly known as the Virginia Parent Teacher Association (PTA), is the largest and oldest non-partisan volunteer child advocacy organization in Virginia. It was chartered by the National PTA in 1921 and has grown to become a significant voice in Virginia's education landscape.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of the Virginia PTA is to strengthen schools and communities through parent and family involvement. It aims to advocate for resources and funding necessary for the academic success, health, and well-being of all children in the Commonwealth. The organization recognizes parents as the first educators in the home and promotes their role as partners in schools, creating a critical bridge between home and school.

Structure and Operations

The Virginia PTA is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors comprising parents, grandparents, and caregivers elected by the membership. This board supports over 6,000 volunteer PTA Officers across more than 950 schools in Virginia. The organization provides leadership training, family engagement toolkits, student recognition, advocacy resources, and parent education resources to empower local PTAs.

Membership and Inclusivity

Membership in the Virginia PTA is open to anyone who supports the mission and purposes of the National PTA. The organization is committed to inclusivity, representing and assisting all individuals who nurture and educate children, and fostering collaboration among families, schools, and the community.

Advocacy and Impact

Virginia PTA's parent volunteers participate in coalitions and workgroups to advocate for policies that promote family engagement in schools. The Council PTAs within the organization facilitate communication among local PTAs to share best practices, address common concerns, and provide educational resources to parents. They also advocate at the School Board level for policies and resources that improve family engagement and student success.

Legal Status

The Virginia PTA operates as a non-commercial, non-sectarian, non-partisan organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. This status ensures that the organization's activities are exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes.

Acknowledgments

The Virginia PTA has been recognized by the Virginia General Assembly for its contributions to public education. In 1997, the General Assembly designated February 17 as PTA Appreciation Day to honor the organization's efforts and achievements in supporting public education in Virginia.