FT. LAUDERDALE, FLA. (June 26, 2009) – Parents, teachers, students and other child advocates from across the country will gather in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. at the 113th Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center (June 26-June 29). They will learn how to cope with the economy and education budget shortfalls, call for common core state standards; and meet National PTA’s first-ever male national president.  

The convention features several keynote speakers, dozens of workshops and an historic moment in American history.   On Sunday, June 28, Charles J. “Chuck” Saylors will be installed as National PTA’s 51st president but also the first-ever male president in the history of the organization. 

A true sign of the times as PTA also made American history last year by installing for the first time ever a male, African-American chief executive officer (CEO). Byron V. Garrett, appointed as CEO in 2008, symbolizes the vision of the national organization and the changing role of parents.

From a blockbuster line-up of speakers to an action-packed Parents Expo!, taking place at Lockhart Stadium across town, to more than 40 workshops for parents and students, the convention provides parents with information, resources and connections to prepare for back-to-school time and to help their children succeed. 

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS

• Dara Torres–Olympic Champion, mother and National PTA Ambassador

Saturday, June 27-Will speak at 4 p.m. in General Meeting 2 (available for interviews)

• Jim Shelton–Assistant Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education

Saturday, June 27-Will speak at 10:30 a.m. in General Meeting 1 (available for interviews)

• CeCe Peniston–International, multiplatinum recording artist and National PTA Ambassador

Sunday, June 28-Will perform at 12:30 p.m. in the Reflections Arts Luncheon (available for interviews)

• Richard W. Riley–Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education

Sunday, June 28-Will install first-ever male national president at 4:30 p.m. in General Meeting 3 (available for interviews)

• Chris Draft–NFL Player with St. Louis Rams

Saturday, June 27-Will be announced as newest National PTA Ambassador at 10 a.m. in General Meeting 1 (available for interviews)

PARENTS EXPO – SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (FREE TO PUBLIC)
Ft. Lauderdale families and parents are invited to get the hottest parenting advice on topics like healthy eating, saving for college, online safety, and parenting tips at the National PTA’s Parent Expo at Lockhart Stadium.  The event will feature more than 100 exhibitors with valuable resources and tools for parents, as well as fun games for kids and families. PTA will also give away more than 5,000 books to families on a first come, first served basis (visit booth #30).

PARENT WORKSHOPS NOT TO MISS
The convention will feature more than 40 workshops you can’t miss!  Key topics include:

• Drop Out Prevention
  Workshop 302: Saturday, June 27; 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
• Engaging Latino Families
  Workshop 304: Saturday, June 27; 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
• Tips for Working Parents
  Workshop 409: Sunday, June 28; 8:45 – 10:15 a.m.
• Increasing Student Achievement
  Workshop 509: Sunday, June 28; 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Creating Healthy Schools
  Workshop 510: Sunday, June 28; 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Male Involvement
  Workshop 607: Monday, June 29; 8:30 – 10 a.m.

PRESS CREDENTIALS
Press credentials can be picked up on-site in the PTA Press Room in Room 114; Level 1.

About National PTA
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 organization 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.