Texas PTA (Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers)

The Texas PTA (Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the educational and home environment for children in Texas. The organization, originally known as the Texas Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations, was founded on October 19, 1909, at the State Fair in Dallas. Ella Caruthers Porter was the first president of the organization.

History

The Texas PTA was initially affiliated with the National Congress of Mothers. It organized local units and districts to facilitate community engagement in education. Over the years, the organization evolved, and its name was officially changed to the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers in 1931.

In 1920, a parallel group, the Texas Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, was established by Mrs. W. S. Benton, primarily serving African American communities. This separate organization reflected the racial segregation prevalent during that era. However, in 1970, under the direction of the National PTA Board of Directors, the two organizations merged to form a unified voice for all children across Texas.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Texas PTA is multifaceted:

• Cooperation and Engagement: Encourage collaboration between parents and teachers to improve children's educational outcomes.
• Home Life and Community: Enhance home life and contribute to community development.
• Legislative Advocacy: Promote policies and laws that protect and benefit children.
• Child Welfare: Advocate for the overall well-being of children in school and community settings.

Today, the Texas PTA is one of the largest state PTAs in the U.S., with nearly 500,000 members and over 2,200 school PTAs. It hosts two major statewide meetings annually: the Convention in November, which serves as the business meeting, and a Leadership Seminar in July at the University of Texas at Austin.

Legislative and Advocacy Work

The Texas PTA is actively involved in legislative work through its annual resolutions and positions. These documents are adopted at the annual convention and guide the organization's advocacy efforts. They focus on issues affecting children and youth across Texas, such as education reform, child safety, and health initiatives. Resolutions and legislative positions are effective for five years unless reaffirmed or withdrawn after legislative action has been taken.

Education and Community Programs

The organization supports various community and educational programs, including initiatives aimed at improving academic achievement, promoting arts and creativity, and enhancing parental involvement in schools. Through leadership training and resource sharing, the Texas PTA empowers local PTAs to strengthen their community engagement and effectiveness.

Impact Over the Years

Throughout its history, the Texas PTA has played a significant role in shaping educational policies in Texas. It has been influential in advocating for equitable school funding, improved teacher-to-student ratios, and expanded counseling services. The organization's efforts have also contributed to the development of legislative initiatives related to child abuse prevention, drug education, and seatbelt safety. Additionally, the Texas PTA has historically fought against voucher legislation and promoted increased parental rights in education.