Indiana PTA became part of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers in 1912. Indiana PTA was Incorporated on October 31, 1919 and registered January 6, 1954.
Over its 100 year history we have monitored the passage of laws and regulations to improve the status of children’s health, education and welfare.
Highlights from recent years include:
1995
Indiana PTA chosen by National PTA as one of seven pilots for Education Pre-service Teacher Training Project
Indiana PTA convention delegates passed a resolution to encourage legislation on Mandatory Kindergarten and Computer Pornography
Indiana PTA leading parent education on Critical TV Viewing
Indiana PTA students recognized with honorable mention in National PTA Reflections/Arts Project
Indiana PTA unit, Northrop High School, honored as National PTA Region IV Advocate Award Winner
1994
Indiana PTA unit, Northrop High School, honored as National PTA Region IV Advocate Award Winner
Indiana PTA convention delegates passed resolution on Underage Drinking
1993
Indiana PTA students recognized with honorable mentions in National PTA Reflections/Arts Project
Indiana PTA unit, Hammond High School, honored as National PTA Region IV Advocate Award Winner
Indiana PTA principal, Dr. Sharon E. Banks, honored as National PTA Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstaanding Educator Award winner
Indiana PTA delegates passed resolution on Corporal Punishment
Before 1995
Indiana PTA groups have helped start fire safety Survive Alive houses in Evansville, Mishawaka, Hammond, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis
INDIANA PTA MILESTONES
1912 - 2011
Founding of the Indiana Branch of the National Congress of Mothers and
Parent Teacher Association, June 6-7, Indianapolis . First state conference was held in November.
1915
Dues had been 10 cents. Units with more than 30 members paid $3 annually.
1919
Adopted the name of Indiana Parent Teacher Association and become incorporated.
1920s
First bulletin issued. Education week promoted. Maternal and Infancy protection emphasized. Pledged to finance a 10 bed ward at Riley Children’s Hospital, Orme Memorial. Worked on child labor laws, urged equal education for rural and city children, shared convention space with ISTA. Summer Round-Up of Children, parent education and trained teachers were emphasized.
1930s
Planted a tree in Riley Hospital park for the Orme Memorial. Indiana PTA supported the passage of the first “Gross Income Tax Act” for public schools The PTA worked with ISTA to secure laws for the physical and moral welfare of children.
1940s
Purchased equipment for Riley Hospital . Special legislation conference held. College cooperation chairmanship created for cooperation with professional, educational organizations and institutions. Four-point program of health, world understanding, school education and parent and family life education was promoted.
1950s
First parent education training held at Purdue. First man elected state president. Legislation work becomes stronger. Scholarships were given for students to become teachers. High School PTSA’s needed to be stronger.
1960s
ICPT received plaque from Governor’s Advisory Committee on Recreation. Looked at alcohol education for adults and youth. In 1962 was the Golden Jubilee Year. PTA leaders were appointed to several state committees. State Life pin was designed in the shape of Indiana . Business partnerships developed to assist with local trainings.
1970s
Reading projects introduced at convention. Concerns were VD, alcohol abuse, education for Spanish-speaking children, TV violence, parenting skills, art education, comprehensive school/community health, and students with learning disabilities. First PTA Volunteer in Court project sponsored by Allen County Courts.
1980s
Home Fire Safety programs were started. PTA chaired the “Coalition for Public Education”. Other concerns addressed were environmental, seat belt safety and prevention of sexual child abuse. State PTA leadership training was conducted. Outstanding Principal and Educator awards were established.
1990s
Computer, laser printer and a fax machine, e-mail and the Internet were added to the office. Indiana PTA focused on AIDS education and TV and movie violence. Indiana PTA promoted critical viewing program. Indiana PTA promoted meaningful parent involvement, and equitable funding for public education. Coalitions were formed to collaborate on education issues.
2000s
Indiana PTA advocates for adequate funding for education. Character Education is a primary focus for the state PTA. Indiana PTA conducts National PTA program, Building Successful Partnerships, statewide.
2011
Honored at the National PTA Convention with the first ever MP3: Male Engagement Award and also for placing second in the National PTA Take Action Challenge. Tina Hartman, Indiana PTA President is elected to a position on the National PTA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee.
Past Presidents
Mrs. Sonja Canterbury, Indianapolis, 2007-2009
Mrs. Dee Jones, Hammond 2005-2007
Mrs. Marilyn Jones, Hammond 2003- 2005
Mrs. Mary Williams, Evansville 2001- 2003
Mrs. Barbara Eager, Grabill 1999- 2001
Mrs. Darlene Maloney, Chesterton 1997-1999
Mrs. Tinka Booe, Indianapolis 1995-1997
Mrs. Sue Switzer, Indianapolis 1993-1995
Mrs. Beverly Zawadzki, Hammond 1991-1993
Mrs. Jill Robertson, Mishawaka 1989-1991
Mrs. Linda Shopoff, Fort Wayne 1987-1989
Mr. Paul W. Farmer, Evansville 1985-1987
Mrs. Robert Moates, Indianapolis 1983-1985
Dr. Harold E. Gourley, Evansville 1981-1983
Mrs. James Woods, South Bend 1979-1981
Mrs. Mary J. Eggert, Indianapolis 1977-1979
Mrs. Emerson Reid, Evansville 1975-1977
Mrs. Freddie Souers, Fort Wayne 1973-1975
Dr. James V. Adams, New Albany 1971-1973
Mrs. Mary Mann Coulson, Merom 1969-1971
Mrs. Merl Fall, South Bend 1966-1969
Mr. Bret J. McGinnis, Cincinnati, Ohio 1963-1966
Mrs. Don Herrin, Indianapolis 1960-1963
Dr. Christian Jung, Bloomington 1957-1960
Mrs. Graydon F. Heuman, Muncie 1954-1957
Mrs. Jack C. Greig, Indianapolis 1951-1954
Mrs. Joseph W. Walker, Greenfield 1948-1951
Mrs. Robert F. Shank, Indianapolis 1945-1948
Mrs. Frederick A. Conkle, Noblesville 1942-1945
Mrs. James L. Murray, Indianapolis 1939-1942
Mrs. Logan G. Hughes, Indianapolis 1934-1939
Mrs. W.J. Hockett, Fort Wayne 1930-1934
Mrs. Homer J. Miller, South Bend 1926-1930
Mrs. G.G. Derbyshire, Southport 1924-1926
Dr. Edna Hatfield Edmondson, Bloomington 1922-1924
Mrs. Hence Orme, Indianapolis 1918-1922
Mrs. C.E. Wittenbraker, Evansville 1917-1918
Mrs. Fred Zoercher, Indianapolis 1915-1917
Mrs. Fred Hoke, Indianapolis 1912-1915
