161. How to Get More Parents Involved Without Adding More to Your Plate with Christina Hidek
Oct 13, 2026
When you think about your school's PTO or PTA, what comes to mind? Fundraisers? Teacher appreciation lunches? The same handful of parents volunteering for everything?
What if we're overlooking one of the biggest opportunities to make teaching a little easier?
In this episode of The Resilient Teacher Podcast, I'm joined by Christina Hidek, founder of PTO Answers, to talk about how parent-teacher organizations can become so much more than fundraising committees.
Because here's the thing: teachers are already juggling enough. And while we talk a lot about getting parents more involved in their children's education, we don't always talk about what meaningful parent involvement could actually look like or how it could take some of the pressure off teachers.
Christina shares why so many schools struggle with parent engagement, how the pandemic changed the way families connect with schools, and what teachers can do to build stronger partnerships with parents (even when it feels like nobody wants to volunteer).
We also talk about something I think a lot of teachers need to hear: Just because a parent hasn't volunteered doesn't mean they don't want to help.
Sometimes they just need to be invited in a different way.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:
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Why PTOs and PTAs should be viewed as more than fundraising organizations
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How stronger parent-teacher partnerships can help reduce teacher workload
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Why parent involvement looks different from school to school
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How the pandemic disrupted parent involvement and why schools are still rebuilding those connections
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Why asking parents to volunteer once at the beginning of the year isn't enough
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How to give parents meaningful opportunities to contribute based on their interests, availability, and strengths
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The importance of having a teacher liaison who helps connect the PTO with the rest of the school
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How simple systems, templates, and clear expectations can make parent organizations more effective
CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA:
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Website: PTO Answers
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Explore PTO Answers for resources, guidance, and support for PTO/PTA leaders, teachers, and school administrators.
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CONNECT WITH BRITTANY:
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MORE ABOUT THE RESILIENT TEACHER PODCAST:
The Resilient Teacher Podcast is the show that will give overwhelmed educators the support, tools, and mindset to reduce teacher burnout and keep teaching sustainable. Each week, Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed. & her guests will share inspiration and actionable steps to avoid or recover from the dreaded teacher burnout.
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Hey, y'all! I'm Brittany!
