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Lourdes Beleche: Putting the ‘T’ in PTA
Lourdes Beleche is all about the kids.
A nominee for this year’s Contra Costa County Office of Education Teacher of the Year, Lourdes has taught several grades — including bilingual classes — at Concord’s Cambridge Elementary School (Mt. Diablo Council, Thirty-Second District PTA) for 19 years.
“I love watching students make connections with things they are learning about,” she said. “I love seeing them learn from each other and have discussions, arguments and defend their opinions.”
And in addition to her nearly two decades of teaching dedication, Lourdes is a dedicated PTA member inspired by her mother.
“Even though my mom didn’t speak English, she joined the PTA and volunteered at our elementary school – Nestor Elementary – setting an example for me,” she said.
“Teachers are the ‘T’ in PTA,” added Lourdes, noting how important it is for teachers to be involved. “I believe that, if we want parents to be active on campus, we also need to step out of the classroom and work side-by-side with them.”
Do you know an inspiring PTA volunteer or member like Lourdes? Let us know: Share your story with socialmedia@capta.org.
District and Council PTA Advocacy Leadership Guide
Designed with council and district advocacy leaders in mind. Basic policies govern the activities of all PTAs. These policies ensure a unity of purpose through the members’ commitment to the mission, core values, purpose and goals of PTA. In addition, National PTA and the California State PTA are tax exempt under Internal Revenue. As such, they must maintain strict adherence to its requirements in order to retain that exemption. These basic policies must be a part of every PTA’s bylaws.
Download our PTA advocacy leadership guide.
Gavel to Gavel – Parliamentary Procedure/Common Parliamentary Myths and Misconceptions
Parliamentary law is an orderly set of rules for conducting meetings of organized groups for the purpose of accomplishing their goals fairly. Take advantage of our true or false test on parliamentary procedure.
Download our parliamentary procedure myths and misconceptions test.
Basic Parliamentary Procedure
A parliamentarian can assist the president when questions of procedure arise. If a parliamentarian is not appointed and ratified, the president should appoint one (pro tem) for each meeting to assist the president in conducting an orderly meeting.
Download basic parliamentary procedures.
Going Through the Motions
Parliamentary law is an orderly set of rules for conducting meetings of organized groups for the purpose of accomplishing their goals fairly.
Here are a few brief tips on motions that may help your meetings go faster.
Download our going through the motions form.
Reasons to Conduct Elections Per Bylaws Timeline
Bylaws indicate when elections are held; but, WHY is it important to elect new officers before the current school year ends and not when the new school year starts?
Download the bylaws timeline.
First Tasks for New PTA Officers and Chairs
An orientation and planning meetings for a new executive board helps PTA jump start the year right by offering an opportunity to share ideas, review PTA resources and create a working calendar. Agreeing on ground rules for board meetings, priorities in working styles and preferences for types and timeliness of communication will set the stage for a productive PTA team effort.To ensure a successful term of office, certain responsibilities begin as soon as officers are elected.
Download our first tasks for new PTA officers and chairs form.
PTA Term-End Checklist
The smooth transition of outgoing and incoming board members and officers is of vital importance and can determine your PTA’s leadership success for years to come. The transition process is the responsibility of both incoming and outgoing officers and board members. It gives closure to those leaving their positions and allows those coming in to be properly prepared. A good process of transition provides an opportunity for outgoing members to evaluate their work and efforts while giving suggestions to new board members on what they wish they had done differently.
Download our term-end checklist.
Board Candidate Checklist
After checking references, reading the candidate application, reading the job description, and interviewing the candidate, the Nominating Committee fills out this checklist. For seasoned board members, also include past behavior and history.
Download our board candidate checklist.