ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - Jun 8, 2011) - A historic and unforgettable chapter ends for National PTA® as its first-ever male president, Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors, wraps-up his two-year term (2009-2011) at the association's annual convention in Orlando this week (June 9-12). During his tenure the association championed male involvement, diversity, partnerships and advocacy.
Through Saylors' passion for actively engaging men in the lives of children, the association launched Million Hours of Power; an initiative that calls on men to invest time in a child's education. The initiative, along with new alliances with male involvement groups, engaged more fathers (including Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy) and called much needed attention to increasing male involvement.
Another new effort launched in the last two years was National PTA's Urban Family Engagement Initiative which works with families, community organizations and school districts in 15 cities to energize tens of thousands of families, develop new models of parent engagement, and ensure opportunity and equity for every student.
During his tenure, National PTA also moved its headquarters from Chicago to Alexandria, Va., in August 2010 to amplify its work on Capitol Hill and foster partnerships with like-minded organizations and decision makers. This past May, National PTA was instrumental in the introduction of the Family Engagement in Education Act of 2011 (S.941/H.R.1821); bi-partisan legislation that would strengthen family engagement in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Representing a long line of visionary leaders since 1897 for an organization once known as the National Congress of Mothers, Saylors heads a long list of notable men that have called attention to the importance of PTA, including U.S. presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton; television personality and child advocate Fred Rogers of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood"; actor Bill Cosby; basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr.; and race car driver Carl Edwards.
Betsy Landers, of Memphis, Tenn., will become National PTA's® next president when she is installed on Sunday, June 12th at the association's convention.
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2011/national_pta/charles_j_saylors/
Contact Information:
Contact:
James Martinez
Cell: (571) 329-9352