PTA President’s Course

Myths, Legends, and Facts

Don’t believe everything you’ve heard about being PTA president!

Do learn how to handle those myths and legends by understanding the facts.

President is the EASIEST JOB IN THE PTA!

Leadership

Leadership skills are acquired through study and practice.

Good leaders LEAD by example to help others learn from them.

Leaders provide and encourage leadership development opportunities….training!

Leadership Styles

Driver Takes action Controls the situation Makes decisions Task-orientated Assertive Goals-driven

Expressive Needs to be liked Needs recognition Works well with others Highly responsive to

others Delegates

Leadership Styles (cont.)

Amiable Concerned about people

and relationships Dislikes conflict Not assertive, but is

responsive Works well with others

Analytical Appreciates detail,

accuracy, precision Avoids confrontation Takes time to consider

before making decision Not assertive or

responsive

Duties of President

Refer to bylaws and standing rules to find the job description.

An up-to-date procedure book is a good reference.

President responsibilities

Presides at all meetings of the association including executive committee; board and general membership

Signs all contracts and legal documents Has a fiduciary responsibility Serves as ex-officio of all committees,

EXCEPT: Nominating and Auditing

President Responsibilities Cont.

Encourage participation Provide opportunities for leadership

development Receive and disseminate information from

the Illinois PTA and the National PTA Represent the association

Procedure Book

Three ring binder; folder; flash drive Contains:

Bylaws Rules

ProceduresCorrespondenceBrochuresOther Suggestions?

Building a board

Successful boards should: Be diverse Encourage good communication Share the work Promote leadership training Work at team-building

PLAN

Set Goals Set Calendar based upon the needs of

members Create Budget Be Flexible/Have “back-up plan”

Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Specific Answers the questions

Who? What? When? Where? Which? Why?

Measurable Answers the questions

How many? How much? How will I know when

the goal is met?

Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals (cont.)

Achievable Answers the questions

Can the goal be met? Is the goal realistic? Do we have the

knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to meet the goal?

Relevant Answers the questions

Is the goal applicable? Is the goal useful? Is the goal in line with

the Mission, Objects and Vision of the PTA?

Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals (cont.)

Time-Specific Answers the questions

Is there a start date? Is there a completion date? Did we allow enough time to accomplish the goal?

The Budget Process

Budget is created using input from officers, chairmen, and PTA members

Proposed budget is accepted by PTA board Proposed budget is adopted by general

membership Budget must come before membership for

any changes

Running a Meeting

Always be prepared—be sure to create an agenda in advance

Create an outline to follow (if needed) Follow Parliamentary Procedure Rely on the other officers for help Be friendly, yet professional

Parliamentary Procedure

Become familiar with the basics A motion must be made before discussion

takes place Unless the motion comes from a committee,

it needs a second before discussion takes place

Parliamentary Procedure (cont.)

Motions may be amended four ways by: Inserting text Striking (removing) text Striking and inserting text Replacing whole paragraph with a substitute

It is: “I Move That…” Not: “I Make a Motion…”

Effective Communication

Communicate with PTA members by Newsletter (printed and electronic) E-mail Web page Social Networks Phone tree Notes home Text message Message Boards

Effective Communication

Communicate outside the PTA by: Meeting with school/district administrators regularly. Offering administrators opportunities to attend PTA

leadership training. Sharing PTA information with administrators. Attending school board meetings. Participating in community organizations and events. Regularly send news to the media

Conflict Resolution

Prevent conflict by fostering open communication and understanding

Resolve conflict by Focusing on issues, not individuals Seeing the issue from both sides Seeking win-win solutions Keeping communication open Thinking about desired outcome

Time Management

Do it!

Delegate it!

Dump it!

STAY ON TRACK

Plan ahead and create the PTA Calendar.INCLUDE:

Illinois PTA Annual Convention

Illinois PTA State Conferences

School Board Meetings

PTA District and Region Annual Meeting and activities

National PTA Convention Community Events Reflections Deadline

Children’s Events

Resources

District Director or State Board Member assigned to your area Officers; Consultants; State Program Directors and Region

Director Illinois PTA Office: 800-877-9617 Illinois PTA Website: illinoispta.org National PTA Website: pta.org Illinois PTA BULLETIN Illinois PTA Local Unit Packet National PTA Annual Resources and/or Back To School Kit

Illinois PTA: 800-877-9617

YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT!

LEAD!