In this section of the website you will find the tools needed to provide programs for your members and students and to run your PTA.
Literacy (Pick a Reading Partner) – In this section of the website you will find resources on literacy and our Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) program.
Arts and Reflections – In this section of the website you will find resources on arts and the National PTA Reflections program.
Family Engagement – Family Engagement is a school-family partnership that raises student achievement, improves school and community, and increases public support.
Civic Engagement – Supporting students, families, and PTAs in building the knowledge and skills for civic participation.
Every Child Travels Safely – This safely initiative will focus on transportation safety and see that children and caregivers increase safety in all aspects of child travel.
Every Child Healthy – This program focuses on ensuring children have access to quality health coverage and care, while promoting health and wellness as they grow.
Every Child’s Mental Health – Supporting student mental health remains one of NYS PTA’s highest priorities. We are thrilled to announce expansion of our work to support student and youth mental health, in partnership with the NYS Office of Mental Health.
Empower Every Child to Be Gambling Free – Talking to youth about the risks and consequences of engaging in underage gambling activities can make a difference in the choices they make. Parents and caregivers, educators and community members can take steps to prevent youth gambling behaviors.
Empowering Women, Building Resilient Families – NYS PTA and Northwell’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health are partnering to arm parents with the information they need to make informed healthcare decisions and prioritize their wellbeing.
Growing Together for a Greener Tomorrow – Engage students, families, and the community in fun, educational, and eco-friendly activities that promote sustainability and environmental awareness.
Parent/Family Resources – In this section of the website you will find resources on numerous topics for parents pertaining to parent involvement, engaging educators, and helping students.
Advocacy, Family Engagement, Leadership and Service Awards
Advocate in Action Award – This award acknowledges the involvement of PTA members in their child’s education as well as in their PTA.
Community Service Award – This award recognizes groups of individuals for their dedication and achievement to the children and youth of New York State.
Distinguished Service Award (DSA)– This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the welfare of children and youth, or to a PTA association.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award – This award will be given to a Unit, Council or Region that demonstrates a leadership commitment to diversity and inclusion through recruitment, training and retention efforts.
Environmental Excellence Award– The Environmental Excellence Award celebrates the outstanding efforts of PTA units, Councils and members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness within their schools and communities.
Leadership Development Pin – a symbol of your commitment to growth and leadership within our community! This isn’t just a pin; it’s a badge of honor that recognizes your efforts to lead and inspire.
Program Awards
Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) Award – This award highlights the PARP program, shares outstanding PARP ideas with other PTAs, schools, libraries, communities and other parent groups, and shows the importance of reading and other literacy activities within the family and the community.
Reflections Theme Search Award – Children and youth can submit a national theme to serve as the inspiration for Reflections artists and their original works. Students submitting the winning theme receive $100 and recognition at the National PTA Convention.
Susanne Smoller Commitment to Advocacy Youth Award – This award will be given to one high school senior to encourage them to pursue post-secondary education or training and to continue their active engagement in advocacy in the areas of HIV/AIDS, the LGBTQ+ community, mental health, social justice or substance use.
Youth Humanitarian Award in Memory of Stanley Marcus – This award recognizes a junior or senior who best exemplifies the humanitarian principles of Stanley Marcus, who is remembered for his humanitarianism and dedication to youth through zealous volunteer community service.
Teacher Awards
NYS Teacher of the Year Award – The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and celebrates outstanding teachers throughout New York State.
Innovative Teacher Grant – This grant gives innovative teachers the opportunity to put their ideas into action. It is awarded to worthy projects that significantly influence student learning. Grants may aim to introduce something new or provide enhancements to a current program, and project should be inclusive; not limited to a subset of students within a class or grade level.
Unit/Council Awards
Founders Day Award – This award helps support leadership development and training.
Membership Awards – These awards are a great way to show parents in your school how active and successful your PTA is!
National PTA Awards and Grants
The Phoebe Apperson Hearst Awards – These awards recognize and celebrate achievement in building effective family-school partnerships.
Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Award – This award recognizes PTAs that are dedicated to the needs of all families represented in their schools. It also acknowledges PTAs that develop practices that are inclusive and equal for all families and that result in positive change.
Other National PTA Programs – National PTA has other awards and grants available to states and local PTA Units.
