PTA Values

• Collaboration: We work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and associations to accomplish our agreed-upon goals.
• Commitment: We are dedicated to promoting children’s health, well-being, and educational success through strong parent, family, and community involvement.
• Accountability: We acknowledge our obligations. We deliver on our promises.
• Respect: We value our colleagues and ourselves. We expect the same high quality of effort and thought from ourselves as we do from others.
• Inclusivity: We invite the stranger and welcome the newcomer. We value and seek input from as wide a spectrum of viewpoints and experiences as possible.
• Integrity: We act consistently with our beliefs. When we err, we acknowledge the mistake and seek to make amends.

PTA Purposes

• To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, places of worship, and throughout the community;
• To raise the standards of home life;
• To advocate for laws that further the education, physical and mental health, welfare, and safety of children and youth;
• To promote the collaboration and engagement of families and educators in the education of children and youth;
• To engage the public in united efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of all children and youth; and
• To advocate for fiscal responsibility regarding public tax dollars in public education funding.

Vision Statement

Making every child’s potential a reality by establishing the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. (NYS PTA) as the premier association for parent involvement and advocacy for all children.

Mission Statement

PTA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child.

Beliefs

• Every child deserves to have his/her basic needs met.
• Every child deserves an education designed to meet the child’s needs.
• Public education is the appropriate forum to prepare children for participation in a democratic society.
• Every child deserves our continued commitment to advocacy.
• PTA will take the lead in parent involvement by training parents to be partners in education.
• PTA will take the lead in promoting the value of parent involvement with the community and educational partners.
• We are responsible for identifying, understanding, and meeting the needs of our diverse membership.
• Educators are an integral part of our association.
• Education and leadership training and self-evaluation are essential at all levels.
• Programs and materials should be provided to enhance parenting skills.
• Challenging oneself leads to growth.