HISTORY OF THE PTA
Alice McLellan Birney & Phoebe Apperson Hearst
At a time when women did not have the right to vote and social activism was not popular, Alice and Phoebe founded the National Congress of Mothers with the simple goal of supporting students and promoting family engagement.
On February 17th, 1897, over 2,000 people – mothers, fathers, teachers, laborers and legislators – attended the first convention of the National Congress of Mothers in Washington D.C. Twenty years later, 37 chartered state congresses existed.
Selena Sloan Butler
Simultaneously looking for ways to help parents get involved with their student’s education, Selena formed the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers Association in Georgia. By 1926, she had gathered enough interest to issue a call for a national convention. 4 states answered the call and the association quickly grew as a national force.
The National Congress of Mothers and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers Associated advocated for the same objectives in a society where all things were not equal.
In 1970, the two congresses joined forces to form what is now known as the National Parent Teacher Association. This unification is an important piece of National PTA history and a reminder of our collective goals for all students.
The National PTA
Today’s PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, businesses and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools.
The National PTA has had a tangible impact on each child with the implementation of these programs in each school around the country:
- Creation of Kindergarten Classes
- Enactment of Child Labor Laws
- Hot and Healthy Lunch Programs
- Creation of the Juvenile Justice System
- Mandatory Immunizations
- Promotion of the Arts in Education
- Implementation of School Safety Programs
The North Kansas City Schools District PTA Council hopes you choose to partner with the parent organization at your student’s school. Whether your partnerships entails donating time or money, your support will give every child one voice.
North Kansas City Schools District PTA Council 