When my children started school, there was no formal role for parents to partner with the school principal or have any input into the operations of the school. At most if you were lucky enough to have a welcoming teacher you might get the chance to speak to them about how your child was doing or maybe help in the classroom or on a field trip. As parents, we had no understanding of school budgets or learning improvements plans nor did we ever think we could advocate for improved school facilities or educational supports for students in the school.
All that changed when the Ministry of Education recognized the importance of the role of parents and through legislation required every school to have a school advisory council. This council, which must be formed with a majority of parents as members, was required to consider the advice of parents in all areas of school operations (excluding staff issues) as well as be advisers to the school board on matters including Principal selection.
I got involved in my children’s elementary school with like-minded parents and within a couple of years we became valuable partners with the Principal in making the educational experience of all children at the school better.
While my children really did not understand what my role on the school council was about, what they did know if that their Mom was at the school a lot, talked excitedly about what was going on at the school and most of all spoke positively about their teachers and how great their school was. They knew, that through my example, school was important.
My involvement continued through their high school years and even though there were times when they said “It’s okay Mom, you don’t need to come to the school meetings or events, we got it all together when it comes to school”, I never stopped going. It was important to me to demonstrate to them that in these years when they were making important lifetime decisions about their education and their future, that I was available and involved. My involvement opened the door for regular conversations about school and helped them understand that planning for a successful future was better when the whole family was involved and supportive of their dreams.
Through the years, I was involved in leading roles at the school, the school board and parent associations at the regional and provincial level.
When my children had successfully moved on to post-secondary education, I knew it was time for me to share my knowledge and experience with other parents on the importance of parent engagement, both at home and at school.
DREAM BIG
My BIG DREAM was to lead an organization where every member is empowered to be their best self. Where members are encouraged to DREAM BIG for their children and their local schools. Where we did less talking about what we should do and actually did all the things we believed would help other parents support their children and achieve great things.
I brought together a small group of friends, family and people I respect greatly and we formed Parents Engaged in Education.
Parents Engaged in Education is now two years old and amazing things have happened!! I know that my being engaged with parents are helping them make their children’s lives and their school communities better.
I truly believe that no child should be left behind. We encourage parents and school communities to DREAM BIG, there is no limit to what we can do together!!
Theresa Pastore
Founder of Parents Engaged in Education
We hope you enjoyed Theresa’s story. Our wish is that our stories can encourage even one parent to get engaged in their child’s education TODAY! Please visit our donation page and help us to continue to make a difference in getting parents to be more engaged in their child’s education.
