I Wish I Could Quit You
How I came to hate the PTA
by Juanita Perez
December 1, 2008
Other parents had much higher expectations: specifically, they wanted flexible hours on demand, organic snacks and intensive art education. And it is they who have made me want to resign my post and never put my name on another sign-up sheet.
To be fair: for the most part, my pre-school PTA is filled with people giddy about the fact that their tiny children require an association at all. We fidget in too-small chairs while we hear the teachers' reports on our children's strengths and challenges.
When I was asked to be PTA president, I took the call to service seriously. My mother and grandmother were teachers, and I shared their disregard for parents who didn't get involved. Back in high school, I was Class President, Student Council President, Band President, 4-H President — any available elected office was on my radar. I was about change before it was cool.
Who would have thought a leadership role that entails making sure there are pull-ups and wipes in every cubby would disillusion me?
©2008 Juanita Perez and Babble
About the Author
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Juanita Perez is the pseudonym of a writer in New York City.
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