Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers

The Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers, commonly referred to as the Virginia PTA, is the largest and oldest non-partisan volunteer child advocacy association in Virginia. Chartered by the National PTA in 1921, it has grown into a significant force for strengthening schools and communities through parent and family involvement[1][2].

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of the Virginia PTA is to enhance the academic success, health, and well-being of all children in the Commonwealth. It achieves this by promoting parents as partners in schools, thereby creating a critical bridge between home and school environments[1][3]. The organization advocates for resources and funding to support these goals and empowers parents through leadership training, family engagement toolkits, and advocacy resources[2].

Structure and Membership

The Virginia PTA is geographically divided into twenty-one districts across six regions, encompassing over 1095 local units. It manages an annual membership exceeding 175,000, making it one of the largest and most influential member organizations within the National PTA[3]. Membership is open to anyone supporting the National PTA's mission and is inclusive of all individuals who nurture and educate children[2].

Governance and Operations

The Virginia PTA is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors composed of elected parents, grandparents, and caregivers from communities across Virginia[2]. The organization supports more than 6,000 volunteer PTA officers with non-profit governance oversight and resources for student recognition and parent education[2]. It operates as a noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code[2].

Contributions and Recognition

The Virginia PTA plays a pivotal role in fostering family-school partnerships and advocating for policies that improve student success and community engagement[3]. It has been recognized by the Virginia General Assembly for its contributions to public education, with February 17 annually designated as PTA Appreciation Day in Virginia since 1997[4].