Our Story
The "Why"
Born from a lifelong passion for education, The Parent Teacher Collaborative is more than just an organization – it's a movement. Our founder, Dr. Jessica Carter, spent decades in the trenches of schools, witnessing the transformative power of parent-teacher partnerships firsthand.
As an educator, she saw how inviting families into the classroom could ignite student potential, strengthen family partnerships, and produce environments where learners can thrive. As an administrator, she also saw the flipside, students of families who were disconnected and disenfranchised by school were massively disadvantaged.
Returning to the classroom in 2019, Dr. Carter refused to accept the status quo of division. Amidst the challenges of virtual learning during COVID, she seized the opportunity to forge deeper connections with families – and a spark caught fire. Parents were eager to engage, to advocate, to be the change their children needed.
Through this experience, the vision for The Parent Teacher Collaborative crystallized.
What if all of the adults connected to a child’s learning – families, educators, administrators, and community members – could unite around their common purpose?
What if, instead of working at odds, they could harness their collective power to champion student needs?
Fueled by this dream, Dr. Carter began working hand-in-hand with parent and community groups in 2021 where their grassroot advocacy began to create spaces where all voices could be heard and all hands could join in the vital work of uplifting students. Utilizing these new strategies, single site school workshops were launched in 2022.
Following the success of these pilots, TPTC officially launched in 2023 – not just as an organization, but as a catalyst.
Today, we're sparking the conversations, providing the training and advocacy tools, and amplifying the voices that will redefine family engagement in education. We're building bridges of trust, empowering communities to lock arms and co-create a future where every student can soar.
This is more than our story. This is a rallying cry, a call to action, a beacon in the night. Join us, and let's illuminate the path forward – together.