Welcome to the European PTA's web site!
The European Congress of American Parents, Teachers and Students was founded in 1958 by a group of parents and teachers who saw great value in gaining affiliation with the National PTA. The European PTA is the strongest European organization working exclusively on behalf of children and youth of DoDDS schools. European PTA’s primary objective is to strengthen the family unit through parent involvement.
PTA makes a difference in the lives of children in schools and community all across Europe in our DoDDS school system. PTA is a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for parents and a strong advocate in support of public education. This is evident through the accomplishments of each individual PTA unit, as well as, the work of the European and National PTA over the last 48 years. It is the true testimony of how effectively PTAs can advocate for our children.
European PTA’s Executive Board is comprised of a diverse group of volunteers representing members throughout Europe. We provide ongoing and continuous leadership support to our PTA local units within Europe as well as support to the DoDDS administrators who need assistance working with their parent population.
PTA is a strong advocate for parental involvement in the lives of children. Research clearly shows that when parents are involved in their child’s education, the child does better academically, socially, and emotionally. By involvement we mean parents are involved in preparing their child for school by sending him/her to school ready to learn, reinforcing learning at home, placing an emphasis on learning at home, and being a part of the decision making process affecting our schools.
As European PTA approaches 50 years of advocacy for children, we must reflect upon the many successes of the past and the impact that this organization has had on legislation. Through our advocacy work we have carried our strong voice in areas such as: full time kindergarten, Dad’s involvement programs, and we are working on the retention of school nurses, active parental involvement, and adequate funding for education.
To create successful schools you need parental involvement, support for our teachers and effective administration. Without these three blocks our schools will crumble and deteriorate. We as PTAs need to carry a positive message to our schools. We need to be encouragers. It is my goal to ensure that as an organization we strive to continue to improve our schools, provide our schools with our assistance and support and make life for military children better.
I am honored to serve as the President of the European PTA. I, along with the Executive Board, thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to support our children. Please join us in celebrating the work of this organization by working together as One Voice for Every Child so that we can make our transitions as military families a positive experience. Please help us by supporting your local PTA, together we can make a difference by strengthening our schools and communities.
April Whatley
European PTA President