2025 National Teacher of the Year: Ashlie Crosson’s Invigorating Road Trip
When Ashlie Crosson first entered the classroom as an educator 15 years ago, little did she know that she would later have the opportunity and honor of a lifetime: to crisscross the country as an ambassador for the teaching profession and advocate for students. “When you put educators, families, communities and stakeholders in a room […]
Screen Smart Success: When Parents and Teens Talk Tech Together, Good Things Happen
Picture this: 230 teens, parents and caregivers packed into an auditorium in Rochester, Mich., not for a school play or basketball game, but for an honest conversation about digital life. This scene was repeated in communities from Michigan to Florida to Texas throughout 2025, as across the nation families discovered something powerful—when we tackle digital […]
Art in Action: Spotlight on the 2024 Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grantees
For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections arts program has advanced the vision of founder Mary Lou Anderson, who believed deeply in the power of creativity. Her legacy continues each year through the Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant, which awards funding to two local PTAs to expand access to high-quality arts education and […]
5 Tips to Find Back-to-School Clothes For Less
Going back-to-school shopping is an annual ritual for most families. This year, 67% of families started back-to-school shopping as early as July, according to the National Retail Federation, and plan to spend about $860 on necessary supplies, including clothes. But 47% are waiting to shop so they can find the best deals – those new clothes can get expensive […]
4 Tips to Prepare Your Kids for a New School
Back to school season can cause anxiety in kids for many reasons: New teachers, friends and a change in routine can all be stressful. Add moving to a new school—due to a grade change or new neighborhood—and the transition becomes especially tough. While you can’t eliminate your child’s back to school fears, managing your own […]