In this episode of PodcastPD, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco welcome Christina Hidek, veteran PTO leader and founder of PTO Answers, to discuss the power of effective parent-school collaboration. With over 15 years of experience building strong PTOs and supporting educators, Christina shares practical strategies for bridging communication gaps, strengthening trust, and creating meaningful partnerships between parents, teachers, and administrators.

From defining the difference between PTO and PTA to addressing challenges in high school parent engagement, this episode explores how school leaders can move beyond bake sales and truly leverage parent involvement to improve culture, communication, and community. Christina also offers actionable steps for principals and teachers to start, rebuild, or revitalize their own parent organizations.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding the difference between PTA and PTO organizations
• Why strong parent partnerships are vital for student success
• How administrators can build and sustain relationships with PTOs
• Common pitfalls in school-parent communication—and how to avoid them
• Strategies for creating a healthy PTO culture and setting boundaries
• The evolution of parent involvement from elementary to high school
• How educators can foster inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration

Resources Mentioned:

• PTOAnswers.com
• The Principal’s Parent Group Playbook by Christina Hidek

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In this milestone episode of PodcastPD (Episode 150!), Chris and AJ welcome longtime friend and educator, Kathy Kersznowski, author of The Educator's Guidebook for Teaching AI Literacy and Ethics. Kathy shares why AI literacy is the new literacy and how educators can navigate AI responsibly and confidently. She dives into the motivation behind her book, the importance of ethics, and why scenarios and discussions—not fear—are key to helping students use AI well.

Listeners will learn practical ways to introduce AI concepts in any classroom, discover strategies for modeling ethical AI use, and explore why transparency and discussion matter more than ever. Plus, Kathy reveals her favorite AI tools, tips for overwhelmed teachers, and the behind-the-scenes story of her book cover design.

• The inspiration behind Kathy’s book and why educators need AI literacy now.
• What AI literacy means and why it’s as critical as digital literacy.
• Scenarios and discussion prompts: engaging students in real-world AI dilemmas.
• How teachers can model ethical AI use in the classroom.
• Overcoming misconceptions and fears about AI.
• Graphic organizers and resources included in the book.
• Why transparency and modeling AI use is a game-changer for educators.
• Kathy’s personal favorite AI tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more.
• The story behind the symbolic book cover design.

• Me Here, You There – Steve Somers’ legendary monologues and New York sports talk.
• The Mindset Advantage – JW Hillier on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
• Teacher Nerdz Podcast – Educational conversations on maker spaces, STEM, global education, and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 149 of PodcastPD, host Chris Nesi flies solo to help educators wrap up the school year with intention and head into summer feeling empowered and inspired. From meaningful end-of-year classroom strategies to practical and rejuvenating summer professional development ideas, this episode is packed with actionable advice for teachers at any grade level.

Chris shares seven thoughtful tips for closing out the school year—from celebrating student growth and collecting feedback, to documenting success and preparing your future self for the fall. He also outlines seven summer PD ideas, including books to read, tech tools to explore, conferences to attend, and the importance of simply resting and rediscovering your “why.” Whether you’re finishing the school year or planning your summer, this episode has something for every educator.

Key Topics Discussed:

7 end-of-year classroom wrap-up strategies

• Celebrate growth beyond grades
• Student feedback surveys
• Classroom cleanup and organization
• Documenting student and professional success
• Reflective teaching practices
• Recognizing colleagues and collaborators
• Writing a message to your future self

7 summer PD ideas to fuel your growth

• Read a professional or personal development book
• Try a new edtech tool (ex: Canva, Padlet, MagicSchool)
• Attend conferences (ISTE, Edcamp NJ, ASCD, ACTE)
• Listen to educational podcasts (House of #EdTech, Education Podcast Network)
• Enroll in a course or earn micro-credentials
• Redesign curriculum with UDL or SEL integration
• Take time to relax, recharge, and rediscover your "why"

Resources & Mentions:

• Edcamp New Jersey – August 14, 2025 at Monmouth University
• House of #EdTech podcast
• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• Education Podcast Network
• Canva for Education
• Padlet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.