Structure

The National Congress of Parents and Teachers

The national organization is composed the local PTA units in 54 state congresses and is governed by a set of bylaws.

The National PTA provides leadership, programs, support, and resources to its members.

The Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers

The Virginia PTA is one of the 54 congresses and is the liaison between the local unit and the National PTA. The Virginia PTA provides advice, support and field service; interprets PTA policies, plans, and practices; promote publications and programs; brings non-PTA parent-teacher groups into PTA membership; plans and conducts conferences under state provisions; and performs such other functions as may be determined.

The Virginia PTA is divided into six regions so that a closer working relationship with districts, councils and local units may be achieved.

DISTRICT: Districts are geographical divisions of the state designated by the state board to carry on state work effectively. The leader is referred to as the district director and is a board member of the Virginia PTA elected by the membership in each district. Click here to learn more about Virginia's districts.

COUNCIL: A council of Parent Teacher Associations is a group of local units in a town, city, county or other designated area, organized under the authority of the state PTA. The council must consist of at least three local units. Its purpose is to promote conferences, leadership training, and coordination of efforts of the local PTA/PTSAs and its membership. Councils may not legislate for its locals.

LOCAL UNIT: The local unit is the most important division of the PTA. All other divisions exist to serve the local PTA. The local PTA is organized and chartered by the state PTA. The local unit serves the needs of their community within the guidelines of the national and state PTA.

Correct Forms of Names:

PTA, PTAs, PTSA,PTSAs (no periods; plural form has no apostrophe); National PTA Parent Teacher Association (not hyphenated); Parent-Teacher-Student Association (hyphenated); National Congress of Parents and Teachers

Registered Service Marks:

PTA, PTSA, Parent Teacher Association, National Congress of Parents and Teachers

A service mark has the same legal status as a trademark but is the designation used for services rather than commercial products. The symbol ® designates that PTA titles have been registered with the federal government and may not be used by organizations not affiliated with the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.