How to handle PTA (Parents and Teacher Association) meeting?
By Curlann
@annierose (21571)
Philippines
July 1, 2010 6:36am CST
I am so stressed today knowing that tomorrow, I am going to handle a PTA meeting. I was so surprised to know that we will have that one because I was never informed. Unfortunately, all of my students already left the school. I don't have any choice but to send them message through phone about PTA meeting. This is my first time in a public school and I never held a meeting before because I came from a private school. PTA meeting there is held differently from public school. Here, the meeting will be by advisory class. I am really nervous and honestly, I am unprepared. Please share some suggestions on how can I handle it successfully.Thanks.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@AmbiePam (93740)
• United States
1 Jul 10
I wish my sister were a member of mylot. She went through the same thing. She taught at a private school, a Christian school for several years before she moved to a different state, and taught at a public school. She had to get used to a different way of doing things, although the people were of course equally nice. It's just always hard the very first time you have to do something like that. Are there any other teachers at your school you could ask for some tips?
@AmbiePam (93740)
• United States
1 Jul 10
There is one thing that has helped me in the past when I started a new job. Fake like you know what you're doing even if you don't. Act like you are confident even if you are not. It's amazing how seriously people will take you if you just act like you know what you're doing.
@annierose (21571)
• Philippines
1 Jul 10
Thanks for the advice AmbiePam. One thing that makes me nervous more is knowing that I have to face people older than me. I am afraid I don't have much ideas to say. I talked with some of my co-teachers and they told me that I can ask them for sponsorship on our classroom. Our classroom is not good. It is not well-ventilated that is why we need more electric fans. The chairs are not good also. How will I start those topics with the parents? How can I ask their help from those things?
1 person likes this
@pinikjuse4 (141)
•
1 Jul 10
don't worry, public school parents areless demanding than those in the private school. Most of them would be there just to listen to you. Just prepare your agenda. And since you are new, better make it clear to them your expectiations and the way you want things done. Just like, telling them that you are particular with assignments wo they could help ensure that their children would have the assignments. Most likely, at this time, they would new that you are new to the school, so I guess, they would be more willing to accomodate and know you.... as it is, Felipino hospitatliy works esp. for teachers who are going to give grades to their children. You might be surprised, but parents in public schools may tend to be extra nice to the teachers. Good luck.
@annierose (21571)
• Philippines
1 Jul 10
Thanks pinikjuse for nice post. Lately, I am having a terrible headache with advisory class. Most of them are very lazy to study. I have more male than female students. I have only a few students who are studious. Most of them seems to go to school without the clear purpose of studying or learning. Most of them are so hard to discipline especially the male students. They do not like following directions at all. They are really different from my students on private school.
@junmae (1586)
• Philippines
2 Jul 10
I dont know how to handle a meeting especially a PTA meeting. Anyway, my mother doesnt attends a PTA meeting because she was annoyed by the parents who always makes some scenes. I used to think that PTA meetings was so boring and doesnt have to do with anyone.
@incus99 (1083)
• Philippines
2 Jul 10
I'm an officer of a PTA in a public school too...first stay calm and don't loose your composure... start with the main issues to be tackled and write it down on a board... always place the item other matters at the last item.. always so the disclaimer for this by saying " we will discuss the other matters last when and if the time allows".. make a brief guidelines of the discussion and make sure its being followed.. keep your cool and smile a lot.. good luck..
