Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA), or the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, is a federated voluntary membership association with local, state, and national levels of organization. At the core of its mission is parental support of and involvement in public education and issues, activities, and legislation concerning the health and well-being of children and young adults. The PTA is perhaps best known for its local meetings that bring parents and teachers together to address school issues, raise money, and foster collaboration between home and school. The asssociation's headquarters are in Chicago, and its current membership stands at approximately 7 million. This entry looks at the PTA's history, with special attention to issues of race and equity.