Jun 16, 2026
In this episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, Lindsay Lyons talks with Christina Hidek, founder of PTO Answers and author of The Principal’s Parent Group Playbook, about how schools are overlooking one of their greatest assets: parent groups.
Christina shares why PTOs and PTAs are often misunderstood, under-leveraged, and poorly supported—and how school leaders and teachers can transform family engagement by building true partnerships with parent organizations. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by family involvement, struggled to connect with your PTO, or wondered how to move beyond fundraisers and carnival themes, this episode is your roadmap to a healthier, more impactful school-family collaboration.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies for shared goal setting, communication, leadership mindset shifts, and ways to align parent groups with your school’s strategic plan.
Key Topics Covered
- Why parent groups are the “third pillar” of school leadership
- The mindset shifts families and educators both need
- The difference between a PTO and a PTA (and why it matters)
- How to align PTO work with your school’s strategic plan
- Why many parent groups struggle with institutional knowledge loss
- What principals and teachers can do to cultivate healthy partnerships
- How PTOs can go far beyond parties, fundraisers, and event planning
- Real examples of PTOs funding meaningful school initiatives like STEM programs
- Practical next steps for parents, teachers, and school leaders
Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/262
Connect with guest Christina Hidek
- Website: https://ptoanswers.com/