Notes from the Backpack

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Notes from the Backpack

A Podcast for Parents, by Parents

PTA is working to ensure our public schools provide a high-quality and equitable education for every child to reach their full potential. Notes from the Backpack is a PTA podcast designed for millions of parents and the decisionmakers they influence.

Through the unique combination of expert, parent and educator guests, each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development—all in parent-friendly language.

Real Experts. Real Parents. Real Conversations.

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Current Episode

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

Laura Tierney

69 | Social Media 201: Embracing the Digital World


Laura Tierney

When our kids talk about the latest social media trends, it can feel like they’re speaking a foreign language. Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, Laura Tierney, joined the show to help us understand how we can best support our children in navigating the current social media landscape. She highlights the importance of positive social media education and shares how technology can support our children’s mental health and even their study habits.

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Recent Episodes

Stefan Lallinger

68 | Why Your Child’s School Isn’t More Diverse


Stefan Lallinger

While segregation may seem like a thing of the past, it’s still a major issue affecting our schools today. We spoke with Stefan Lallinger, executive director of Next100, to explore why schools aren’t more diverse and how we can advocate for systemic change. He also shares his insight on the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and its implications for the future of K-12 education.

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Jean Eddy and Elliana Cabellon

67 | Your Child's Career Exploration Starts Now


Jean Eddy and Elliana Cabellon

We often ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, but how often do we help them figure out the answer? We invited Jean Eddy, Executive Director of the American Student Assistance (ASA) and ASA’s “Solve It” contest winner and high school student, Elliana Cabellon to talk about career exploration. They share how families can help kids follow their passions, plan for their futures and explore STEM career pathways.

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Dr. Darcy Hutchins

66 | How Policy Shapes Family-School Partnerships


Dr. Darcy Hutchins

Is your school district prioritizing Family-School Partnerships? The Director of Family-School  Partnerships at Colorado Department of Education, Darcy Hutchins, shares how states and districts can embed best practices into their protocols to ensure strong family-school partnerships. She also offers advice for where families can look for information about policies affecting their own communities.

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Rosazlia Grillier

65 | Speaking Up for Every Child: Tips from a Parent Advocate


Rosazlia Grillier

What does it mean to be an advocate for all children and how can you jumpstart your own advocacy journey? We discussed the answers to these questions and so much more with Rosazlia Grillier, a founder and governing council member of the United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN). She shares her own experience, how you can find the leader in you, and how to get connected to a network of advocates and take action.

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