Kansas City conference encourages dads' involvement

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Men from all over the nation participated in team building activities and were reminded of their value in the classroom as part of the National PTA's Male Engagement Conference.

Betsy Landers is the president of the National PTA.

"When a father or male role model is involved in a child's life, girls become better in math, boys do better on IQ tests," Landers said. "They have greater self esteem."

Sergio Chavez agrees. He's from Arizona and has a daughter in elementary school. As a member of the PTA, he knows he is making a difference in the classroom.

"She embraces school, she's actually doing really good in school. She loves the fact that I'm there," Chavez said.

More men at school -- that's the goal of the three day conference, which includes members of Watch D.O.G.S. , which stands for Dads of Great Students. The organization has chapters across the nation and in the Kansas City metro. The dads commit to taking a day off work to go to school.  

Eric Snow is the organization's National Director.

"Kids do better when they have an adult male role model actively engaged in their education. It's our job at home to be the first educators of our children and to send them to school ready to learn," Snow said.

Organizers hope men will realize how important they are in their child's education.