MA PTA at National Convention in Memphis

Massachusetts PTA Delegates were in good company at the Cook Convention Center for the 114th National PTA Annual Convention in Memphis, TN June 10 - 13. 

The event provided lots of ideas and training, and also kicked off two new partnerships:  one with Nickelodeon and another with  Facebook.

This year had several tracks running simultaneously:  an Emerging Minority Leaders Conference, Youth/Student Conference, and the Parent Information and Resource Centers (PIRC) Conference.  All had workshops running side-by-side and several included cross-conversations, like the one for State PTA Presidents and State PIRC Directors that I attended with Director of Massachusetts PIRC, Peggie O'Hare.

Keynote speakers were on point with their comments on effective family engagement.  NFL superstar Tony Dungy and his wife, Lauren Dungy, shared their experience and impact of dads connecting to kids and their education.  US Department of Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, addressed the importance of family engagement and its impact on student success as a key provision of school reform and transformation.  Everyone Hates Chris star, Tichina Arnold spoke to the value of the arts in children's education, and Sarah Brown Wessling shared her perspective as National Teacher of the Year. 

The annual convention is where the business of our national association is brought forward for discussion and voting by delegates.  Delegates also participated in a national call-in to our Congressional representatives concerning Family Engagement in Education Act HR 5211.

Thanks to our Local PTA Leaders, Massachusetts PTA distinguished itself in the areas of Membership and Advocacy, increasing membership statewide and also increasing responses to Take Action Alerts!

DOWNLOAD CONVENTION WORKSHOP MATERIALS