Utah PTA, with its regions and councils, offers several workshops throughout the year. The Administrative VP, his/her appointed representative, teachers, and other staff members are welcome and encouraged to attend these trainings. PTA training is both a legitimate and priority expense. Every local PTA should provide sufficient funds in their PTA budget to attend training and represent their members. Information and guidelines are provided in handouts and through the various workshops to lead the incoming and outgoing officers in a smooth transition and also keep the Administrative VP “in the loop” of information or change. Leadership trainings are available from several sources, including but not limited to, PTA councils, PTA regions, Utah PTA, and National PTA.
What Leadership Development Opportunities Are Offered By Utah PTA?
- Utah PTA Leadership Meeting (May): Utah PTA encourages members to attend the annual Utah PTA Convention. Delegates participate in workshops and general sessions, vote on Board Members for the Utah PTA, network and celebrate the accomplishments of PTAs from around Utah. Local PTAs are strongly encouraged to attend.
- Business and Resolutions Meeting (held in conjunction with the Leadership Convention): PTA leaders and members have the opportunity to receive reports from Utah PTA officers and to vote on business, including bylaw changes and resolutions governing Utah PTA actions.
- Advocacy Conference (Fall): It is important for PTA leaders and members to build a year-long working relationship with state and local legislators and to understand both the issues impacting children and how education is funded in Utah. At the Utah PTA Advocacy Conference, members learn to be more effective advocates for children while participating in establishing the Utah PTA legislative platform.
- PTA Day at the Capitol (February): This is an annual event while the Utah State legislature is in session. PTA Advocacy Day at the Capitol provides PTA leaders, members, and supporters an opportunity to become more familiar with the legislative process and to actively speak with legislators about education and children’s issues.
- PTA University: Utah PTA has a library of recorded trainings that are available for PTA leaders to watch online. These trainings can be found at www.utahpta.org/university.
- Council and Region Meetings: Each council and/or region offer training at their meetings at least three times per year. Administrative VPs are encouraged to attend with their PTA president to receive valuable materials and training from the district as well as Utah PTA.
- Region Pre- and Post-Convention Trainings: Each region hosts both a pre-convention training in early spring before Utah PTA Leadership Convention and then a Post-Convention Training in the fall. Each of these trainings provide valuable information for local leaders to carry out their jobs.
What Leadership Development Opportunities Are Offered By National PTA?
- National Convention: The National PTA Convention is held annually in late June in different parts of the country. Workshops, nationally known leaders and speakers, and an extensive exhibit hall are provided. Delegates from every level of PTA come together to conduct the business of PTA, celebrate and network.
- E-Learning: All PTA leaders and members can grow in their personal leadership skills from the comfort of home by taking advantage of the e-learning courses. Log on to the National PTA web site at www.pta.org/home/run-your-pta/elearning and participate in an e-learning course about team building, conflict management, grant writing, planning, goal setting, behavior styles, etc. Additional courses will be added regularly.
Administrative VP’s Role in PTA Trainings:
The Administrative VP should be aware of the trainings being offered and participate when possible. The Administrative VP should encourage training for PTA leaders at his school. The Administrative VP should also make recommendations to the PTA president regarding workshops that promote student achievement, advocacy, promote parent education and involvement, and encourage other staff members to attend or participate. From time to time, an Administrative VP may feel that additional training might be helpful for the PTA’s leadership beyond the regular offerings listed previously. In that case, he/she should contact the council, region director, or the Utah PTA office for assistance.