4 Things You’ll See at #PTAconv15!

There won’t be a royal baby, but there will be fun in the Queen City for Convention. Here are four things to check out in Charlotte!

TEACHER_OF_THE_YEAR_435711811. Hear from the Teacher of the Year

Last week, we honored Shanna Peeples for her recognition by the Council of Chief State School Officers as the 2015 National Teacher of the Year.

Peeples will address attendees during the 2015 National PTA Convention & Expo Sunday, June 28. Let’s give her a big round of applause and thanks! Don’t forget to #ThankATeacher this week!

Copyright 2014 Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc2. Attend the Reflections Awards Luncheon

We will recognize over 200 national winners at the 2015 Reflections Awards Luncheon. Known as one of National PTA’s most celebratory and heartfelt events, the Reflections Awards Luncheon bestows PTA’s highest honor on young artists and celebrates arts education in our schools.

Copyright 2014 Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc3. Experience the Fresh 20 Demo Stage!

Come to the Fresh 20 Demo Stage and explore new education apps, fundraising strategies and products and services that will enhance your efforts in the next school year with presentations from Sylvan Learning Center, Disney Theatrical, BOKS and more!

The Fresh 20 is a meal planning service, created for busy families who want to eat fresh, healthy meals and fundraisers. Visit the Fresh 20 at booth 113.

Copyright 2014 Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc4. Visit the #PTAconv15 Social Media Lounge

Stop by the PTA booth for R&R time at the #PTAconv15 Social Media Lounge! Join our live Twitter feed, take photos at our awesome booth, meet me and socialize with other attendees!


Catherine Llamido is the digital communications specialist at National PTA.

Get Ready for Teacher Appreciation Week and #ThankATeacher

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Every year, we give thanks to all of the teachers who have a made a positive impact on our lives. We also invite you to take part in our #ThankATeacher Social Media Challenge!

Watch this video from National PTA President Otha Thornton and National Education Association (NEA) President Lily Eskelsen García as they recognize the work of outstanding teachers and welcome you to join us for this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebration!

Video

This is the perfect time to thank our teachers with little tokens of appreciation such as thank you cards, sweet classroom treats, arts & crafts gifts and more.

Here’s how you can celebrate teachers this week:

Let our teachers know how much we appreciate them for all of their hardwork and dedication. Check out our website to learn more info about the challenge activities and encourage your friends and family to participate!


Catherine Llamido is the digital communications specialist at National PTA.

This Year in National PTA Social Media

Social media is now an integral part of our day-to-day lives. It has also helped National PTA create memorable moments and awesome social media campaigns (pun intended). Let’s look back in 2014 and see some of our social media favorites!

  • ReflectionsVideoReflections Art Program — We kicked off 2014 strong with National PTA’s oldest and most recognized program getting the most viewed YouTube video and most read blog of the year! Reflections students presented their artistic interpretations for the theme “Believe, Dream, Inspire” at the U.S. Department of Education Jan. 14.
  • 41,285 Likes — We recently reached more than 41,000 Likes on Facebook, which is a huge milestone! Our increase rate jumped 25.5%, the highest it’s ever been!
  • Teacher Appreciation Week — 2014 PTA Teacher Appreciation WeekSM was a huge hit. The Facebook cover photo was shared 343 times with 239 Likes—naming it the “National PTA Cover Photo of the Year!” Another fun fact: National PTA’s Instagram account was born on May 5. The first 10 pics, of course, were dedicated to #TeacherAppreciation.

TeacherAppreciationCoverPhoto

  • Tips for Teachers on Family Engagement — Did we mention that we’re on Pinterest too? This is a cool tool for businesses and nonprofit associations such as National PTA. Our most pinned item happened to be this. Looking for more visually fun photos, ideas, tips and educational resources? Follow us and pin away!
  • TweetoftheYearFlu shots anyone? — National PTA has always been an advocate for ensuring a healthy lifestyle at school and home. According to Twitter, this is the most Retweeted tweet of the year. #GetAFluVax today!

2014 LifeLock_ShareAwesome Carousel

A lot of great things happened this year on social media and we look forward to more Twitter chats, contests and videos next year. What were some notable social media moments that you remember from National PTA’s platforms? Share your special PTA moments on your profiles.

Happy Holidays!


Catherine Llamido is the digital communications specialist at National PTA.