Bite-Sized: Insights from New York State PTA

This episode was recorded live at the NYS PTA Convention in Niagara Falls, NY on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Includes your podcast hosts Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, Mary Sotomayor & Sonya Verrillo as well as panelists Brenda Cardoza and Maria Sanders. Ideas were also shared by PTA leaders who attended the workshop/recording.Summary: This conversation explores the multifaceted roles and challenges faced by PTA leaders, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, volunteer engagement, financial accountability, and fostering a supportive culture within the organization. The speakers share personal insights and strategies for building effective teams, recruiting and retaining volunteers, and navigating the complexities of budget season, all while highlighting the collaborative nature of PTA work.TakeawaysPTA leadership is filled with unexpected challenges, and building a strong team often requires reaching beyond traditional members to bring in new voices and perspectives. Micro-volunteering can significantly ease the workload by allowing people to contribute in smaller, more manageable ways, while innovative approaches help PTAs operate more effectively in today’s busy school communities. Volunteers should always feel valued and recognized for their contributions, and maintaining strong financial accountability is essential to the success and credibility of any PTA. Councils should serve as supportive allies rather than overseers, helping local units feel empowered rather than directed. When leaders focus on creating a culture of trust, it encourages open communication and stronger collaboration among schools, which in turn enhances overall community engagement. Through it all, PTA service builds meaningful experience and develops transferable skills that are valuable in many professional settings. Sound bites"Micro volunteering is key.""PTA is a business.""We are not the boss of PTA."Chapters00:00 Welcome to Council Conversations Unfiltered04:42 Building Effective Teams in PTA09:23 Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers14:15 Navigating Budget Season and Financial Accountability17:24 Understanding the Role of Council24:34 Creating a Culture of Trust and SupportKeywordsPTA, leadership, teamwork, volunteers, budget, council, support, community, education, collaboration

Recorded on September 19, 2025 by Mary Sotomayor, Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, Sonya Verrillo and NYS PTA President Patty Frazier.This bonus episode of Bite Size Insights from New York State PTA provides an exclusive preview of the 2025 New York State PTA Convention being held on November 14-16, 2025 in Niagara Falls, NY, featuring discussions on the importance of connection, leadership, and personal experiences from past conventions. The hosts share their favorite memories, the impact of conventions on their PTA journeys, and the significance of networking and training in enhancing their roles as leaders. They emphasize the power of encouragement and the ongoing need for development within the PTA community. In this engaging conversation, the participants discuss the evolving role of leadership within the PTA, emphasizing the importance of workshops, community engagement, and youth advocacy. They share insights on how to make council meetings more meaningful, the significance of transportation in school systems, and the value of networking and collaboration. The discussion also covers practical tips for convention planning, the importance of measuring the PTA's mission, and the excitement surrounding upcoming workshops and events. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that highlight personal experiences and advice for first-time attendees.

In our very first episode of Bite-Sized Insights from NYS PTA, meet the Leadership Development Team and hear the stories that brought us to PTA leadership — the wins, the challenges, and the “aha” moments that keep us showing up for our schools and communities. Whether you’re a new PTA leader or a seasoned volunteer, this episode sets the stage for what’s ahead: candid conversations, leadership strategies, and bite-sized tips to help you grow your PTA, engage your school community, and lead with confidence.Hosted by: Mary Sotomayor, Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe and Sonya Verrillo.