One Small Step for a Father, One Giant (Historical) Leap for Families

A fluke or a sign of the times? How ever you look at it, American history will be made next weekend in St. Louis. An organization once known as the National Congress of Mothers will, for the first time ever, install a father as its national president- elect. Since 1897, PTA has seen a long line of accomplished and visionary women national presidents.

Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors, a father of four (two currently in elementary school) and a long-time PTA member, begins this historic journey at PTA's 111th Annual National Convention & Exhibition (June 29-July 1). He will hold the position of president-elect for two years, after which he will be installed as the first man to serve as the organization's national president.

"This event should prove to men across the country that their participation in PTA is valued, welcomed, and needed," said Saylors. "Times are different from 30 years ago. Today, both parents work, and participation of all adults is needed now more than ever. I want to share my positive experiences with men in hopes of encouraging them to join PTA and get involved in their child's education."

Dads have been making a difference in children's lives and education for a long time. From parent-teacher conferences, to tutoring kids after school, father involvement in schools and in PTA continues to increase.

Saylors will join a long list of notable men that have called attention to the importance of PTA, including U.S. presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton; California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; television personality and child advocate Fred Rogers of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood; actor Bill Cosby; basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr.; and race car driver Carl Edwards.

-- MEDIA RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION FOR EVENT --

About Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors

Saylors has been a PTA member for more than 15 years. He was elected in June 2005 to a two-year term as National PTA Secretary-Treasurer. Saylors says that his motivation for getting involved with PTA came from his desire to help his child's school. "When I was a child, my parents were both very involved in PTA," he said. "When our oldest son, Matthew, was in the first grade, my wife and I wanted to support his school. So we volunteered. We have not slowed down since." Saylors is actively involved in his school community as a trustee for the Greenville County (SC) School District. He also works as the vice-president of the construction management division of M.B. Kahn Construction, Columbia, SC.

About PTA

PTA comprises more than 5 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA flourishes in more than 25,000 school communities nationwide by harnessing the energy and talents of millions of volunteers to be: voices for all children; relevant resources for families and communities; and champions for the education and well-being of every child. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.