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 Expressive 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 Procedures Correspondence Brochures Other 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 Measurable 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 Illinois PTA Annual Convention 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!