Let’s look at the PTA and Principal Relationship
When the PTA and principal relationship works well, it raises the level of success for both the PTA and the school which means great outcomes for kids.
Let’s start by painting a picture of the relationship by thinking about it as a team. Each player has a position to play and a task to perform. If any player tries to play another’s position, they can put the team in jeopardy. The PTA and school principal do not oversee equal territory, but they are on the same team working towards the same goal. We work best by establishing a partnership that is equal in respect.
National PTA put together a great video about Talking to Principals about PTA Value. On the micro-learnings webpage are additional resources including a PTA Value and Principals interactive handout and a Do’s and Don’ts of Partnering with Adminstrators handout. In addition, they have a great blog post titled “Is Your PTA an ATM for Your School” that has helpful information.
For more information about the importance of a strong connection, check out this great article in the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) spring 2020 issue of their award-winning magazine, “Washington Principal.” It is about school/PTA partnerships. Kudos to Everett PTSA Council Past President Jen Hirman (2019-20) and Past President, Elementary School Principals Association of Washington, David Jones, for their insightful article focusing on strategies to build a productive relationship with your PTA.