Fathers and male caregivers are important partners in their students' education. Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, mentors and other caring adults bring unique experiences, skills and perspectives to the school community.
A strong PTA makes room for those voices.
Engaging fathers and male caregivers isn't about creating a separate PTA experience just for men. It's about creating a welcoming environment where every caregiver has meaningful opportunities to connect with students, support learning, participate in PTA and contribute to the school community.
The goal is simple: help fathers and male caregivers see themselves as valued partners in their students' education and an important part of PTA.
Go Beyond the One-Day Event
Special events can be a great way to welcome fathers and male caregivers into the school community—but meaningful engagement happens throughout the year.
Instead of asking, “What event can we have for dads?”, ask:
“How can we create meaningful opportunities for fathers and male caregivers to participate all year long?”
A successful event can open the door. Relationships keep the door open.
6 Ways to Strengthen Male Engagement
1. Welcome Them
Make sure fathers and male caregivers know their participation is wanted and valued.
- Use inclusive language in PTA communications.
- Invite all caregivers to participate.
- Personally invite fathers and male caregivers to specific opportunities.
- Consider whether your PTA traditions or practices unintentionally create barriers.
2. Ask What They Want
Don't assume you know what fathers and male caregivers are interested in. Ask them:
- What activities interest them?
- What skills or experiences could they share?
- What days and times work best?
- How do they prefer to receive information?
- What would make PTA feel more welcoming?
Use their feedback to shape your programs and volunteer opportunities.
3. Make It Easy to Participate
Busy families need flexibility. Offer a variety of opportunities, including:
- One-time or short-term projects
- Evening or weekend activities
- Clearly defined volunteer roles
- Classroom and campus opportunities
- Virtual participation when appropriate
A 30-minute contribution can be just as meaningful as a year-long commitment.
4. Make It Meaningful
Think beyond setup, cleanup and physical projects. Fathers and male caregivers can:
- Read with students.
- Share a career, hobby or special skill.
- Mentor students.
- Support academic programs.
- Participate in clubs, field trips and extracurricular activities.
- Attend student performances and showcases.
- Help with advocacy and community partnerships.
Give people choices and let them find the opportunity that is meaningful to them.
5. Invite Them to Lead
Don't stop at asking fathers and male caregivers to volunteer. Ask them to lead.
Invite them to join committees, help plan programs, serve as a chair or co-chair, participate in PTA leadership or share their professional expertise.
Leadership often begins with a single invitation.
6. Build the Relationship
After someone participates:
- Say thank you.
- Share the impact of their involvement.
- Ask for feedback.
- Invite them to the next opportunity.
- Keep them informed about PTA activities.
- Offer new ways to participate.
Turn participation into connection. Turn connection into engagement.
Ideas to Get Started
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to engaging fathers and male caregivers. Consider opportunities that fit your students, families and community.
In the classroom:
Guest readers • Career presentations • STEM activities • Mentoring • Guest speakers • Academic support
Through PTA:
Committee service • PTA leadership • Family events • Advocacy • Service projects • Family education • Program planning
Around the school:
Field trips • Student showcases • Performances • Clubs and extracurricular activities • Volunteer opportunities • Student celebrations
In the community:
Career exploration • Business partnerships • Mentoring • Community service • College and career connections • Community resources
Texas PTA Resources
ABCs of Male Engagement
This resource provides practical ideas for encouraging men to become more involved in their students' education and school community as well as emphasizing the importance of making a personal, specific invitation and creating meaningful opportunities for involvement.
[Read the ABCs of Male Engagement →]
Texas PTA's Connect Parent Education Programs
Texas PTA's Connect program library provides Local PTAs with ready-to-use programs designed to educate and empower school communities. Programs include expert presentations, facilitator guides, discussion questions, activities and handouts, with many resources available in English and Spanish.
Use Connect programs as an opportunity to bring families together, start conversations and create meaningful connections with your school community.
Family & Student Engagement Impact Award
Looking for a way to recognize your PTA's efforts to create meaningful connections and remove barriers to participation? The Family & Student Engagement Impact Award recognizes PTAs that strengthen engagement through membership, leadership, programs, advocacy, training, partnerships and communications.
Explore the Family & Student Engagement Impact Award →
Additional Resources
National PTA: Strengthening Family-School Partnerships Through Male Engagement
Practical strategies for engaging fathers and male caregivers as partners in education.
National Fatherhood Initiative
Research, tools and training to help organizations strengthen their work with fathers and become more father-inclusive.
Start With One Invitation
You don't need a special committee, a large event or a complicated plan to begin.
Start by asking:
Do fathers and male caregivers in our community know that PTA wants them here?
If the answer isn't an enthusiastic “yes,” that's your starting point.
Invite them. Listen to them. Give them meaningful ways to contribute. And when they step forward, make sure they know their voice matters.
When fathers and male caregivers feel welcomed, valued and connected, everyone benefits—especially students.
