What kind of person becomes head of PTA

[Ohwerewatchingfrozenagainarewe]

Would you say, in general?

I was surprised about someone I loosely know, when they told me they were, I really wouldn’t have them down as being that type, but maybe I being far too judgemental!

maybe the person is proud and looking forward to it.

Someone organised with the time and inclination.

Probably some poor sod who joined to help out and got lumbered with it as no one wanted to do it - and it's need doing!

A sahm. Middle class. Knows all the teachers by first name terms and parks in the staff car park. Goes on staff nights out and makes sure to put it on Facebook so everyone knows how important she is. Kids get all the best parts in the school plays. Pain in the arse but harmless 😂. Only joking I’ve known 2 in my life who were both like this. I’m sure it isn’t the case for everyone.

Utterly convinced that the depictions of PTAs in the media etc are pure and simple misogyny.
Same here. There's always a whiff of being annoyed that women have ideas above their station.

The head:
Confident, Socially outgoing, has had a career before children, knows a lot of people, has children who will stay a while in that school. The type not afraid to boss people around and isn't intimidated easily usually due to a senior career experience. Usually middle class or aspirational.

Ordinary PTA part timers or sahms, either too nice to say no or social climbers.

I was only involved at primary, went through 3 chairs while DD was at school. I didn’t know the first one as she was ending her term but she was very energetic smiley type. The other two were more quieter but organized, experienced ( their older children went through the school already) and were not in full time jobs. They were both very nice, not Amanda from Motherland at the slightest.

In my experience of school and the local community it’s the same parents stepping forward for everything - PTA/Parent Council, volunteering or running Parkrun, being a cub or scout leader etc. I guess when it comes down to it someone who wants to try and make a difference for the benefit of not only their children but other children too.

I did it. I don't think you'd have expected me to be the 'type' if you believe the comedic stereotype, of a perfectly put together, bossy mum, with a clipboard 😅 Neither am I very apt at baking.
I did it because the school were crying out for someone. In my time doing it, we raised enough to build a climbing frame in the playground, an outdoor classroom and various other things. It benefits the kids to have people who are willing to do these things.
Same as in the community at large. You need people who get stuck in and get things done. I love people who are do'ers! The people who give their own time freely, who run community groups, raise funds and organise stuff for kids, the elderly, special needs and anybody who's vulnerable. The coaches who run sports teams and don't earn a penny from it. All of these people are more valuable to society than any Councillor or MP, could ever hope to be!

Sounds like your children aren’t yet school age OP. When they are, you’ll soon learn there’s fuck all money in schools and if you want your kids to have nice extras you’ll have to fundraise for it. Or sit back while others do the fundraising for you and you judge them for it.

People willing to volunteer!

My friend has done - she works FT & did it for 2 years. She works in marketing so was able to bring some of those skills across into the role.

The Mum at ours was a SAHP she did it for a good few years - very organised, willing to listen no judgement - she really tried to get people to volunteer a small amount of time (30 mins slots at school fairs etc!) Tried to run the meetings at different times to fit into parents times - people always had excuses. :(

& a Dad who recently had been made redundant from a high pressured job and just wanted time away from rat race but still part of something. He eventually became a governor. Medically he wouldn’t ever return to his previous role so he got a less stressful job and loved being a governor. Did lots of good work sad when he left once his daughter left the school.

PTA needs volunteers desperately! Even if it’s just 1hour of your time a year - helping with the second hand clothe sale or helping with a stall. It doesn’t have to be a lot but if every class parent gave 1 hour a year - that is a possible 60 volunteer hours per class!

Based on the experience at primary school when my kids were there they are:

power hungry, don’t want to actually get a job as too lazy for that, only ever wear workout clothes but never actually go to the gym, love to lord it over all the other parents whilst delegating EVERYTHING and doing nothing but gossip and bitch themselves.

don’t bother quoting me and saying how nasty this is etc because as I’ve clearly stated , this is MY experience.

In my experience, someone who thinks highly of themselves, has a decent amount of spare time and a good lifestyle, and a type A.

Have you been watching Motherland OP?

@Ohwerewatchingfrozenagainarewe Well, this doesn't seem to be going the way you hoped, does it?🤣🤣

This!

I think some are the ‘want to be involved in everything’ type and others are there reluctantly because they find it so hard to get anyone to volunteer for it.

Our PTA is a huge enterprise that raises over £100k per annum for charity (it's an independent school so the PTA is just for charitable fundraising not school fundraising) . Running it is a massive commitment and it tends to attract high flyers on a career break or who are now working PT- it is a PT job in itself.

I've been on the committee and my experience is that most people are motivated by a combination of wanting to do something socially purposive, feeling under-used as a SAHM or working PT, people who want to get to know other parents better, people who want to support the school.

It's a lot of fun. I don't recognise the stereotypes you sometimes see on here at all.

Posted twice

What type of person goes through their entire kids’ schooling never once helping to raise a penny? 🙄

Theyre the ones who should be judged.

I was head of the PTA at my child’s primary (was a committee member from reception to year 1 and then “chairperson” from year 2 until they left)

so many parents moan about lack of activities etc but a aren’t prepared to volunteer to help out

in response to some posters - I had a full time job as did 90% of other committee members, but we wanted to make a difference and raise funds for the school that directly benefited the children

I was proud of the events we pulled off and the funds we raised and loved seeing the kids benefit from what we had done.

I was a PTA chair. Joined when my child started at the school to help support the school and be involved. I then became the chair when the previous person stepped down. I will admit I’m the bossy and very organised type BUT I got a great team of parents to help balance that out. I was passionate about putting on great events for the children and fundraising as much as possible.
i remember approaching a parent with a particular talent for help in her area and she actually said “oh I think you need to a specific type of person to be on the PTA and that’s more you than me” the way it was said made it sound like an insult.
I now volunteer with my my local scout group. I like being part of a community and helping with volunteering.

Either someone who really cares about their community and does it alongside many other voluntary activities or someone easily guilt tripped into doing things. I’m grateful both kinds exist!

@Youcannotbeseriousreally Yes, Motherland is excellent, isn't it?

Sorry but your joke is lost on me, I’ve never watched it. I’m talking real life

Ours is a very lovely former teacher who has a super busy job and two kids. Everyone on our PTA is lovely and busy and there because they want to support the school. It’s a shame the vast majority of parents don’t bother and don’t appreciate their efforts. The school is quite deprived and pta fund school trips, resources and playground repairs.