WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Apr 12, 2011) - In response to First Lady Michelle Obama's and Dr. Jill Biden's "Joining Forces" initiative, National PTA and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) announced today that they will partner to engage military families and support the more than one million grade school-age military children.
The partnership will work to build connections between military and civilian parents and students through programs and activities in highly military-impacted school districts. The two organizations will also work together to educate state PTA leaders on fostering a common understanding of military child education issues and communicate the role that they can play in supporting these families.
"For decades our military-based PTAs around the world have worked hard to increase family engagement and student achievement. This partnership helps us take it a step further by educating all of our PTAs and civilian parents on military family life so that we all are more aware and responsive to the unique needs of military children and families," says Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors, National PTA President.
"We have enormous respect for the mission of the PTA and this robust partnership presents a powerful opportunity to support America's military-connected children," said Mary M. Keller, Ed.D., President and CEO of MCEC. "Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden have done so much to mobilize support for the children of our men and women in uniform -- these children also serve," added Dr. Keller.
Some of the key deliverables to the partnership include the development of a toolkit and guide for parents that describes the unique needs of military families and provide strategies and ideas for them to better engage military families. The toolkit will include a "Guide to Engaging with Military-Connected Parents" developed by MCEC. The partnership will also work to increase the number of schools nationwide participating in their parent and student engagement programs.
"National PTA is proud to partner with MCEC and commends First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden for their efforts to help military families," said Saylors.
About National PTA
National 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 association 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.
About the Military Child Education Coalition
The Military Child Education Coalition was established in 1998 to help military-connected children meet the challenges that frequent transitions pose during their educational years. The MCEC provides transition services for students, parent workshops, information resources, and counseling resources to help military children and families thrive in challenging times. For more information, visit our website: