Leadership & Training

Building confident leaders for our school community

Why We Train

At Peter Kirk PTSA, we believe that informed leaders are effective leaders. Training isn't just about checking a box—it is about empowerment.

Whether you are a seasoned board member or thinking about volunteering for the first time, our training resources are designed to:

• Save you time: Learn best practices so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.
• Protect our PTSA: Understand the essential legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a non-profit.
• Connect you: Meet other parents and leaders across the district who are doing the same great work.

Where to Find Training

We are supported by local, state, and national organizations, each offering different types of learning opportunities.

1. LWPTSA Council (Local)

Best for: Interactive virtual workshops, local networking, and role-specific help. Our local Council supports the PTAs in the Lake Washington School District with accessible, Zoom-based training tailored to our specific needs.

• Examples of Training:
• Role-Specific Basics: "Treasurer Basics" and "Secretary: More Than Just Minutes".
• Leadership Foundations: "President 101" and "Roles & Responsibilities of the PTA Board".
• Advocacy: "Advocacy and Legislative Basics" to help us speak up for students.
• DEI & Belonging: "Making your PTA more DEI".
• View LWPTSA Training Calendar

2. WSPTA (Washington State)

Best for: Mandatory compliance, legal standards, and big-picture advocacy. Washington State PTA provides the foundational training required for all elected officers to keep our PTSA in "Good Standing."

• Examples of Training:
• PTA & The Law: Mandatory for at least one officer annually. Covers the vital legal basics of running a non-profit.
• Compliance & Governance: "Managing Your Nonprofit" and "Nominating Committee" workshops.
• Events: "WSPTA Convention" and "Focus Day" (legislative advocacy).
• Visit WSPTA Training Resources

3. National PTA

Best for: Self-paced e-learning and national best practices. As a member of Peter Kirk PTSA, you are part of the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. Their "Thrive" community offers bite-sized learning you can do from home.

• Examples of Training:
• Advocacy & Safety: "Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy" and "Youth Mental Health and Technology".
• Leadership Skills: "Intentional Meeting Planning" and "Building an Inclusive Team".
• Operations: "Local PTA Budget Basics" and "Membership is Year-Round".
• Explore National PTA E-Learning

Roundtables: Peer-to-Peer Support

Not an official "class," but invaluable for connection.

Roundtables are informal gatherings where leaders from different schools meet to swap ideas, ask questions, and brainstorm solutions. If you want to know "How did your school handle X?", this is the place to ask.

• LWPTSA Council Roundtables: Monthly or quarterly meetups for specific roles (e.g., Presidents, Treasurers, FACE, Scholarships,  Membership).
• WSPTA Roundtables: Virtual discussions connecting leaders from across the entire state.

Current Board Members

Reminder: Per WSPTA standards, all elected officers must attend at least one training annually, and at least one officer must attend "PTA & The Law."

Have questions about which training is right for you? Contact us at secretary@peterkirkptsa.org and we can help point you in the right direction!