Learning Library for

ARTS IN EDUCATION CHAIRS

Find everything you need to be successful in your PTA role, from basic trainings to leadership development tools.  You'll also find links to forms and templates and other helpful resources.  

Questions?  Contact Cassie McIver, Council Arts in Education Chair

Know what you're looking for? Click on a topic below to move directly to that section. 

ESSENTIALS Trainings

Includes important information for FISD PTAs and how to lead successfully in your specific board role on your campus.

Updated annually (August)

This training will guide you through key steps to complete during the summer to ensure a successful upcoming year!  (Recommended for spring.) 

Updated annually (May)

FOUNDATIONS BASICS Arts in Education Webinar (Required) (external link)

All board members new to their role are required by TX PTA to watch the BASICS Webinar.  If you have never served PTA in your current role, or have served in the past but never taken the TX PTA Basics, please be sure to complete this online training within 30 days of election or appointment.

FOUNDATIONS Essentials Webinar (Required) (external link)

This introductory course is for new PTA leaders; all board members are required by TX PTA to complete it only once in their PTA service.  There is a $10 fee to access the online course materials/webinar.   A copy of your certificate of completion serves as your receipt for reimbursement. This online training is required to be completed within 30 days of election or appointment.

FOUNDATIONS BASICS Boardsmanship Webinar (Required) (external link)

Every person serving on a PTA board is required by TX PTA to take the Boardsmanship training within 30 days of election or appointment.  This training will help you in your role by reviewing the basic responsibilities and functioning of a PTA board. 

FOUNDATIONS BASICS Advocacy Webinar (Recommended) (external link)

This training is not required for your role, but will help you to understand the importance of advocacy and how to successfully advocate for students as a PTA board member.

INSIGHTS Trainings

Further develop your core leadership skills critical for long term success, including communication, marketing your PTA, conflict management, and more! For all board positions!

Full Circle Leadership is TX PTA’s very own leadership development certification program. By focusing on the five key areas of technical, intrapersonal, forward-thinking, interpersonal, and adaptive skills, Texas PTA leaders are able to enhance their skills to become even more successful and effective. 

Resources: Reflections

Reflections Checklist  (Google Doc

Don't miss a step with this guide to Reflections in FISD.

Check out these key dates of when your PTA's entries are due to Council for judging.

Explains all TX PTA requirements for remaining in Good Standing.  To participate in Reflections, your PTA must meet "Active" status by October 31st. Refer to the Standards of Continuing Affiliation for the requirements for "Active" status.

To check your PTA's status, click the link for the Local Roster in the "Resources: Guides & Other Tools" section below.

This Google Roster from TX PTA helps you track your PTA's path to "Active" status, which is required for participation in Reflections.  Bookmark it and check back frequently to stay on track!

Visit this TX PTA web page for everything you need to know to successfully bring Reflections to your campus. Includes links to eligibility requirements, posters, and other marketing tools.

Sign up for TX PTA's Arts in Education newsletter.

Resources: Forms & Templates

Plans of Work (Examples) (Google Doc)

Before completing your POW, review an example for your board position... then make it your own!

Note: To customize, you must open document, download or save to your google drive, then edit

Blank POW for use by you or your board.

Note: To customize, you must open document, download or save to your google drive, then edit

Resources: Policies & Guidelines

Standards of Continuing Affiliation (Required) (external link

Explains all TX PTA requirements for remaining in Good Standing.  To participate in Reflections, your PTA must meet "Active" status by October 31st. Refer to the Standards of Continuing Affiliation for the requirements for "Active" status.

To check your PTA's status, click the link for the Local Roster in the "Resources: Guides & Other Tools" section below.

Required by TX PTA to be completed annually by all board members.

These guidelines from FISD must be followed by all PTAs in the district.  Includes information on governance, partnerships, fundraisers, and more.  Updated annually.

Resources: Guides & Other Helpful Tools

Carry this with you to your board and membership meetings for easy reference on how to phrase a motion, who makes it, and what vote is required.  Gives specific examples, including budget adoptions and amendments, approving minutes, and more!

All-In-One Calendar (pdf)

This all-inclusive calendar from Council includes dates from the FISD calendar, TX PTA membership award deadlines, Council training dates, national days of recognition (healthy lifestyles, environmental, hospitality, etc) and more!

A great resource from TX PTA for guidance and best practices.  

Download or print. Updated annually.

Use this link to directly access all of the helpful information from TX PTA for your board position.

Serving on an executive board extends beyond management and completion of your position specific duties. It’s very important that you understand the duties of the executive board and your duties as an executive board member. 

Download or print. Updated annually.

This Google Roster from TX PTA helps you track your PTA's path to "Active" status, which is required for participation in Reflections.  Bookmark it and check back frequently to stay on track!

FISD District Map (external link)

District listing and map of all FISD campuses and facilities

FISD Calendar (external link)

District calendar for the current school year.

District listing of attendance zones and feeder patterns

District priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

Recognitions & Awards

Is there a fellow board member who has gone the extra mile?  Has she/he done something that exemplifies one or more of the LEAD leadership qualities... (Learn. Engage. Advocate. Drive.) 

 Leadership is about the choices and actions we take each day, big and small.  Recognize someone on your board for going the extra mile - let them know they are appreciated!  Winners will be invited to attend the next Council Delegates meeting for public recognition of his/her outstanding contributions to your PTA!

Has your PTA or campus tried something new that worked well?  Have you revamped an old program and gotten great feedback?  Help us to celebrate your board's achievement and share it with other campuses.  Let's succeed together!