Workshops are your opportunity to gain skills in areas of leadership, finance, membership, parliamentary procedures, and more necessary in running your local PTA. A skilled board of managers, professionals, and specialists will also present workshops on education, health, advocacy, and more to enrich your learning experience.
* Tentative and subject to change
Last updated: 3/12/2025
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025 WORKSHOPS
Workshop Series 300 – Friday 10:00 am to 11:30 am
FRI300 Advocacy 101: Making a Difference for Children and Families
New to PTA Advocacy? Learn the fundamentals of advocating for the health, safety, and well-being of children and families. Discover how to effectively communicate with elected officials, utilize the power of collective action, and access valuable resources. Empower yourself to make a difference in the lives of children and families in your community!
FRI301 Building Stronger Futures: Community Schools in California
Discover how Community Schools in California are transforming education by addressing the diverse needs of students and families through a holistic approach. These schools serve as hubs for academics, health, mental health, and social services, creating a comprehensive support system that ensures every student thrives. This workshop will feature two local examples of successful Community Schools, highlighting their impact and sharing practical insights. Explore core principles, funding opportunities, and strategies for implementation and advocacy to bring this transformative model to your community. Perfect for educators, parents, and community leaders alike!
FRI302 Cultural Tapestry: Weaving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through Artistic Expression
This engaging workshop explores the power of the arts to celebrate cultural expression and foster an inclusive learning environment. Participants will discover practical strategies for integrating diverse artistic traditions into the classroom, organizing inclusive arts events, and encouraging students to creatively share their unique cultural identities. Together, we will cultivate a school environment where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.
FRI303 New President Part 1: A Guide to Having A Successful School Year
Are you a brand new president? Have you been a president before but it has been awhile? Join us for our specialized president’s training! We will be working our way through the PTA year and covering everything you need to know to run an effective PTA, including goal setting with your board, working with your principal, and running meetings. Part one of a two part class.
FRI304 Smart Phones in Schools: Balancing Learning and Safety
Explore the changing policies around banning smartphones in schools and the implications for student learning, safety, and classroom dynamics. This workshop will delve into the benefits and challenges of restricting phone use, from reducing distractions and improving focus to ensuring communication during emergencies. Participants will engage in discussions on policy approaches, enforcement strategies, and ways to involve students and families in creating solutions that support academic success while addressing safety concerns. Gain tools and insights to navigate this complex issue effectively.
FRI305 Treasurer 101 – Show Me the Money!
Are you a new treasurer or financial secretary? Do you want to know more about PTA finances? Then join us for our specialized treasurer’s class! We will be going over all aspects of being a PTA treasurer or financial secretary in a way that takes you through the PTA year. We will be covering budgeting, passing money through channels, insurance, and treasurer reports. Part one of a two part class.
FRI306 Understanding CA’s New K-2 Reading Screenings
All K-2 students are required to be screened for reading difficulties in the Fall of 2025. Screenings are to be implemented by June 30, 2025, and aim to identify students who need additional support in their literacy journey. This session will guide the parents through the next steps if their child is flagged by the screening. We will discuss how this process impacts English Language Learners. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to advocate for your child’s reading success.
FRI307 Unlocking the Mysteries of Bylaws
Join us for an interactive journey through the world of bylaws! Attendees will discover how they can empower you as an effective leader. Engage in a dynamic escape room-style workshop where you’ll work with your team to solve challenges and unlock the mysteries of bylaws. Expect to have fun while gaining valuable insights that will enhance your leadership skills and understanding of governance. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn in a collaborative and exciting environment!
FRI308 Membership Nuts & Bolts
Learn how to maintain and increase your membership, creating a more robust unit and developing a team with your school’s administration. You’ll receive helpful tools to run an effective, yearlong membership campaign that strengthens your school community and increases family engagement.
FRI309 Everyday Upstanders: Strategies for Speaking Up to Bias and Hate
This workshop connects the problems of bias and hate to our individual and collective membership within a beloved school community. Participants will learn specific strategies for responding to biased language in the spaces where we show up every day—home, work, and school. Participants will leave this workshop with tools!
FRI310 National PTA Programs: A Great Opportunity to Support the Work of Your PTA
National PTA programs build on PTA’s ability to expand its reach and impact in every community! Learn about National PTA programs and funding opportunities available to your school community through National PTA this upcoming school year. Our goal is to support your PTA to bring fun, educational and engaging programs to your school community.
Workshop Series 400 – Friday, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
FRI400 Hablemos de TOTEM: Facilite Su Vida con la Membresía Electrónica
Esta clase para principiantes ayudará a los líderes de unidad a iniciar y ejecutar un programa de membresía electrónica TOTEM que ayudará a que su membresía se dispare. Aprenda los 5 pasos clave para que TOTEM funcione para usted. Descubrirá que una vez que logre que su junta directiva acepte TOTEM, su PTA podrá enfocarse en brindar grandes cosas para los niños.
FRI401 PTAs Building Bridges: Connecting with Local Resources to Support Your PTA
Have you ever wondered how to increase community support for your PTA? This workshop will provide valuable insights and strategies for building strong relationships with local businesses and organizations. Learn how to secure local membership incentives, identify potential community partners, and develop effective outreach strategies to maximize your PTA’s impact.
FRI402 Building Your Brand: Effective Communication Strategies for PTA Growth
Unlock the secrets to effective PTA outreach! This session will help you engage your audience, inspire participation, and grow your PTA through creative communication, inclusive messaging, and dynamic member recruitment techniques.
FRI403 Bylaws Remix: Reviewing and Amending Bylaws
The bylaws are an essential tool in running an effective organization! In this workshop, leaders will learn how to understand and review tthe bylaws – including key terms and best practices. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls so you can use your bylaws effectively govern your organization.
FRI404 Eliminate the Barriers: Improving Literacy for California Students
With California’s current approach to reading instruction, more than half of all students are reading below grade level by the end of third grade, putting them at a significant academic disadvantage as they move through upper elementary, middle, and high school. This workshop will focus on the urgent need for improved reading programs in our schools and understanding how structured literacy is an effective approach for every child.
FRI405 New President Part 2: A Guide to Having A Successful School Year
Join us for the second half of our specialized president’s training! We will be working our way through the PTA year and covering everything you need to know to run an effective PTA. We will continue working our way through the calendar year with things like mid-year program reviews, elections, and transitioning with the incoming board. Part two of a two part class.
FRI406 Parenting in the Digital Age
Parenting in the digital age is complex, as families are online more now than ever. National PTA is a six-year partner to parents on digital parenting topics, exploring in-depth the issues that are on the minds of today’s families, and connecting parents with tools, research, and support to make the best decisions for their children. This PTA Connected workshop provides tools your PTA families can use to help balance screen time and help children act safely, responsibly, and thoughtfully online.
FRI407 The Power of Resolutions: Using Member Voices to Drive Change
Resolutions empower our members by providing a powerful platform to address critical issues impacting children, teens, and families. This introductory workshop will explore the significance and function of Resolutions in PTA advocacy. Learn the procedure for developing and submitting a resolution to the California State PTA, and discover how your voice can contribute to shaping education policy and creating a brighter future for all children.
FRI408 Treasurer 102 – Show Me the Rest of the Money!
Join us for the second half of our specialized treasurer’s class! We will be going over all aspects of being a PTA treasurer or financial secretary in a way that takes you through the PTA year. We will be covering working with government agencies, mid-year budget review, preparing for the end of year financial review. Part two of a two part class.
FRI409 Everyday Upstanders: Strategies for Speaking Up to Bias and Hate
This workshop connects the problems of bias and hate to our individual and collective membership within a beloved school community. Participants will learn specific strategies for responding to biased language in the spaces where we show up every day—home, work, and school. Participants will leave this workshop with tools!
FRI410 CA Education System 100
Every student deserves a great education. You can help. Learn how California’s education system works, so you can make a difference. This workshop uses the free, easy-to-understand resources of Ed100 to help parent leaders gain the knowledge and confidence they need to advocate for students and strengthen their school communities. We simplify complex topics—like how school funding works, how student success is measured, and the role of local decision-making—so you can take action with confidence.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025 WORKSHOPS
Workshop Series 500 – Saturday 9:15 am to 10:30 am
SAT500 Advocacy: Everyday Upstanders: Strategies for Speaking Up to Bias and Hate
This workshop connects the problems of bias and hate to our individual and collective membership within a beloved school community. Participants will learn specific strategies for responding to biased language in the spaces where we show up every day—home, work, and school. Participants will leave this workshop with tools!
SAT501 School Smarts: Un Programa De Participación Familiar
Únase a nosotros a una discusión interactiva sobre nuestro programa School Smarts, reconocido a nivel nacional y el costo por nuestro servicio. Este programa se trata de cómo interactuar con otras familias para aprender más sobre el sistema educativo, comunicarse de manera eficaz, abogar/defender por una educación de calidad y la importancia de la participación de los padres. Presentaremos una actividad educativa única basada en el arte y le brindaremos formas de como ofrecer este programa galardonado a su distrito escolar.
SAT502 Estás en la Junta Directiva, ¿y Ahora Qué hago?
Me acaban de elegir y ¿ahora qué hago? Únase a nosotros para obtener una descripción general de los principales puestos en una junta ejecutiva, qué hacen y cómo y por qué lo hacemos. Esta es una clase de nivel introductorio para todos los miembros de la junta directiva que son nuevos en la PTA. Está destinado a todos los miembros electos de la junta directiva para ayudarlos a comprender su función y cómo afecta al resto de su equipo.
SAT503 Creating Inclusion and Equity through Dual Language Education
Explore the transformative power of bilingual and dual-language education for students, schools, and communities. This workshop delves into strategies for implementing successful programs, highlighting the cognitive and cultural advantages of multilingualism. Discover how these initiatives promote equity and inclusion while preparing students for a globally connected future.
SAT504 Exploring Advocacy: Hot Topics and Their Impact on Children and Families
This dynamic workshop explores critical issues impacting children and families, including school board trends, controversial topics, the evolving educational landscape, social issues, and civil rights matters. This discussion considers hot topics of the day, raising awareness of them in context. Advocacy action to resolve these issues may not resolved by the end of the hour. This workshop is for PTA leaders, educators, and community members to gain a deeper understanding of critical issues and their impact on children and families.
SAT505 Insurance,Taxes & Legal Aspects of PTA: What You Need to Know
Do you know what your insurance covers? Why does the Attorney General’s office regulate raffles? Have you been thinking about adding a scholarship program to your PTA’s budget? This is the class for you. Come with your questions and leave with real answers from our panel of experts.
SAT506 Mastering Minutes and More: Essentials for New Secretaries
Are you new to the role of secretary? Join us for an informative workshop designed to help you navigate your responsibilities with confidence. Learn the essentials of creating clear and effective meeting minutes that serve the needs of your team. We’ll share practical tips and best practices to help make you successful. This session will equip you with the tools you need to excel in your new role!
SAT507 Navigating Conflict: Effective Strategies for PTA Leaders
This workshop provides a comprehensive guide for PTA leaders on effectively navigating conflict. Learn to address disagreements constructively, build stronger relationships, and maintain a positive and productive environment for your PTA. You’ll leave this workshop with the confidence and skills to lead through challenges and foster a thriving PTA community.
SAT508 Strengthen Parent Engagement for Student Success
Every parent has the power to assist their child in getting off to a great academic start is life. This workshop will explain the distinction between parent involvement, parent engagement and parents as partners.
SAT509 TOTEM Unleashed: Advanced Strategies for Council and District Leaders
Unleash the full potential of TOTEM with this in-depth workshop designed for council and district leaders. We will walk you through every process that Councils and Districts can use in TOTEM to grab data and communicate with your leaders quickly and easily to maintain and increase your membership and provide fun challenges and perks for your units!
SAT510 Understanding Gender: Identity, Expression and Inclusion
This workshop builds awareness and acceptance of diverse gender experiences beyond the binary. Participants will explore inclusive practices and review key California laws and education codes that protect gender diversity.
Workshop Series 600 – Saturday, 12:45 pm to 2:00 pm
SAT600 Aspectos Prácticos de la Membresía
Learn how to maintain and increase your membership, creating a more robust unit and developing a team with your school’s administration. You’ll receive helpful tools to run an effective, yearlong membership campaign that strengthens your school community and increases family engagement.
SAT601 Todo Miembro de la Junta Necesita Saber Sobre las Finanzas
¿Sabía que toda la junta tiene la responsabilidad de garantizar que se sigan los procedimientos financieros? Únase a nosotros para saber cuál es su parte del rompecabezas financiero. ¿Presidente? ¡Sí! ¿Tesorero? ¡Sí! ¿Secretario? ¡Sí! ¿Undécimo vicepresidente de artículos de oficina geniales? ¡Sí! Esta clase es para todos los que recién comienzan su viaje en la PTA.
SAT602 Building a Culture of Safety: Empowering Families for Safe and Healthy Mobility
The safety of our children depends on how we navigate shared spaces—walking, biking, rolling, or driving. Reckless and distracted driving is the leading cause of preventable youth fatalities, affecting all roadway users. Led by Impact Teen Drivers (ITD), this interactive session offers evidence-based strategies to promote shared roadway responsibility, safe mobility habits, and community-driven safety initiatives. Attendees will gain access to no-cost, multilingual resources and leave with actionable steps to create safer, healthier communities.
SAT603 Empowering Leaders: Building Stronger Councils & Districts
Discover the keys to effective leadership at the council and district level. Participants will learn strategies to support local units. Topics include effective communication, planning impactful events, and navigating bylaws and policies. Perfect for current and aspiring council and district level leaders.
SAT604 Let’s Talk Totem: Make Your Life Easier with E-membership
This beginner’s class will help unit, council and district leaders start and run a TOTEM e-membership program that will help your membership soar! Learn the 5 steps to make TOTEM work for you. You will discover that once you get your board onboard with TOTEM, your PTA can focus on providing great things for kids!
SAT605 Mental Health Matters: Creating Supportive Communities
This workshop emphasizes the importance of creating supportive communities that prioritize mental health. Learn to recognize the signs of mental health challenges, access valuable resources and support, and advocate for mental health initiatives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
SAT606 Pathways to Graduation for Students with Disabilities
All students in California should have the opportunity to earn a diploma, yet graduation rates for students with disabilities remain low. This workshop explores solutions, including the Alternative Pathway to a Diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities and tools for demonstrating learning through alternative methods. Educators and parents can help ensure every student reaches their full potential.
SAT607 Spark Creativity: Getting Started with the Reflections Arts Program
Dive into the essentials of the National PTA Reflections program. Learn how to launch and promote a successful arts program at your school, support student creativity, and engage your community. Whether you’re new to Reflections or looking for a refresher, this session will provide practical tips, resources, and inspiration to help you get started and make your program shine!
SAT608 Unlocking the Arts as a Creative Pathway for Success and Well-Being
Discover how arts education serves as a transformative force in student success. This workshop explores the vital role of providing access to arts education for fostering creativity, student well-being, building resilience, and enhancing academic achievement. Through research-backed insights, participants will learn how arts education programs during and beyond the school day nurture innovation, critical thinking, and emotional growth. Join us in unlocking the potential of arts education as an avenue for thriving students and vibrant school communities.
SAT609 You’re on the Board, Now What?
I just got elected – now what do I do? Join us for an overview of the main positions on an executive board, the board’s responsibilities, and how and why we do what we do. This is an introductory level class for all board members who are new to PTA. It is intended for all elected board members to help you understand your role and how it affects the rest of your team.
SAT610 Everyday Upstanders: Strategies for Speaking Up to Bias and Hate
This workshop connects the problems of bias and hate to our individual and collective membership within a beloved school community. Participants will learn specific strategies for responding to biased language in the spaces where we show up every day—home, work, and school. Participants will leave this workshop with tools!
SAT611 Exploring STEM + Families: Interactive Experiences That Engage and Inspire
National PTA’s STEM + Families Initiative provides access and hands-on exposure to science, technology, engineering and math to engage families and inspire students to pursue career opportunities in STEM fields. Come and learn about the history, partnerships, and goals of the STEM + Families Initiative. Also, hear about the different STEM + Families program options and the many benefits available to PTAs of all shapes and sizes.
SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 WORKSHOPS
Workshop Series 700 – Sunday 8:30 am to 10:00 am
SUN700 A Parent’s Guide to the Arts & Music in Schools Act
In November 2022, California voters overwhelmingly said YES to more arts and music in schools through the passage of Proposition 28 – the Arts and Music in Schools Funding Accountability Act (AMS). Learn more about the current status of Prop 28 Arts funding and how parents can advocate utilizing existing funds for your school district now. Hear from local area Visual and Performing Arts coordinators about their step-by-step approaches to successfully implemented arts programs from available Prop 28 funding.
SUN701 Advocating for Children Locally
Advocating for children, youth, and families is at the heart of PTA. This workshop will cover how to advocate for the rights of children and families within your school district. Children have varying abilities that impact their educational needs. You will learn ways to advocate for these individual needs by influencing district policies and addressing your local school board.
SUN702 AI in Education: Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Learning
Discover the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and how it can revolutionize classroom experiences. This workshop will explore how AI-powered tools personalize learning, meet diverse student needs, and promote academic success. At the same time, we’ll examine strategies to address challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and access disparities to ensure equitable implementation. Join us to gain actionable insights, practical examples, and a deeper understanding of how AI can be used responsibly to enhance education for all students.
SUN703 Healthy Minds & PTA: Tools You Can Use
National PTA is committed to developing the whole child for success in school and life. This holistic approach recognizes mental health is as important as physical health requiring focused attention and ongoing effort. PTAs are positioned to help families and communities make mental health a priority. This workshop provides guidance and materials to help PTAs understand the mental health needs of families, identify relevant resources, partner with school administration, and host PTA’s Healthy Minds program for their school community.
SUN704 Leadership Exchange: Ideas for Council and District Boards
Are you a member of a council or district board? Join us for an engaging facilitated discussion tailored specifically for leaders like you. Connect with other leaders from across the state to explore relevant topics, exchange successful strategies, and tackle challenges unique to council or district boards. Bring your questions, share your insights, and walk away with fresh ideas and actionable takeaways to benefit your entire board. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate and enhance your leadership skills!
SUN705 Lights, Camera, Action! Running Meetings with Robert’s Rules
Robert’s Rules of Order and bylaws help our business run smoothly and ensure everyone can be a part of the process! In this workshop, we’ll not only navigate meetings and contentious situations, we’ll also show attendees how everyone can use Robert’s Rules and bylaws can make meetings run smoothly. These tools will help ensure that leaders find a balance between the majority making the decisions and the minority being heard while keeping the focus where it should be – on the kids!
SUN706 Membership Ideas from Award-Winning PTAs
Come and learn from California PTA’s shining stars! Local leaders are bringing their best membership and program ideas for you to borrow and make your own. This table talk will be sectioned by grade level, and it will also include a multi-level Spanish-speaker’s table. You will walk away energized to put our award winners’ ideas into action!
SUN707 Social-Emotional Learning: Building Skills for Success
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) equips students with essential skills for academic, social, and emotional success. This workshop explores how to effectively integrate SEL into daily instruction. Participants will learn practical strategies for fostering self-awareness, building resilience, developing interpersonal skills, and creating an inclusive learning environment that supports students’ mental health and well-being. Leave with actionable ideas to empower students to thrive in school and beyond while cultivating a positive and connected school culture.
SUN708 Tech Savvy PTA: Free Tools to Boost Engagement
Unlock the potential of your PTA with incredible free tools available through Google for Nonprofits, verified by Goodstack and Canva. Learn how to access benefits like up to 2,000 email accounts, Google Workspace with 100 TB of cloud storage, and free web hosting. Explore Canva’s vibrant design capabilities to create eye-catching marketing materials and dynamic social media posts. This session will show you how to harness these resources to elevate your PTA’s communications, streamline operations, and amplify your impact.
SUN709 School Smarts: A Family Engagement Program
Join us for an interactive discussion about our fee for service, nationally recognized School Smarts Program. This program is about engaging with other families to learn more about the education system, communicating effectively, advocating for a quality education and the importance of parent involvement. We will feature a unique art based instructional activity and will provide you with ways to bring this award-winning program to your school district.
SUN710 High School Career Pathways Through Service
Representatives from Southern California offices of education, school districts and military recruiters discuss integrating Career Pathway experiences into extra-curricular activities for High School students, parents and schools. Events involving STEM equipment professionals will enable High Schoolers to envision themselves as engineers, chemists, X-Ray technicians, practical mathematicians and software developers. PTAs will learn how to engage with various federal, state and local agencies to create job fairs that inspire as much as they recruit.