Utah PTA Pulse Podcast

Utah PTA
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Empowering Parents, Teachers, and Communities to Make Every Child's Potential a Reality Join us for the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, where we dive deep into the issues that matter most to parents, teachers, and the entire community. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we're here to provide the tools, resources, and inspiration to make that a reality. Our podcast covers a wide range of topics designed to empower and engage. Hear from experts, PTA leaders, and community members as they share their insights on everything from educational equity to fostering a positive school climate. Listen in to learn how you can: Empower your child and help them succeed in school and beyond.Connect with other parents and build a strong community.Advocate for your child's education and ensure they receive the best possible support.Stay informed about the latest trends and issues in education.Whether you're a seasoned PTA member or just starting your parenting journey, the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast has something for everyone. Tune in today and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of children in your community.

  1. 16H AGO

    Convention Countdown: Behind the Scenes with Cammy Whitchurch

    Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! Join your hosts Corey Fairholm, Immediate Past President, and Angelee Aedo, VP of Advocacy, for an insightful and lively conversation with our special guest, Cammy Whitchurch, the Utah PTA President-elect and Convention Chair. In this episode, we dive deep into: The Utah PTA Convention: Kami shares an inside look at the planning process and the excitement surrounding this year's event.The Importance of Community: We talk about the supportive culture of the PTA, where seasoned members welcome newcomers and make them feel like part of the family—especially at the convention.

    41 min

  2. 6D AGO

    The Vital Role of a PTA Secretary with Carol Rednour

    In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo are joined by Carol Rednour, the current Utah PTA Secretary. After a lighthearted icebreaker about video game nostalgia and the struggles of mastering Mario Kart, the conversation dives into the heart of PTA leadership. Carol, now in her third year of service, shares her passion for volunteering and explains why the Secretary is a cornerstone of any board. From the legal necessity of taking accurate minutes to the old adage that "if it wasn't recorded, it didn't happen," Carol highlights how this role protects the integrity of a board’s votes and actions. The episode takes a personal turn as Carol shares her unique "Why PTA" story, offering a glimpse into the motivations that lead parents to step up and serve their school communities. Whether you are a local leader looking for tips on minute-taking or a parent curious about getting involved, this episode offers both practical advice and heartfelt inspiration. 🌟🤝 Highlights include: The "Invisible" Essential: Why the Secretary is the backbone of every good President. ✍️ The Power of Documentation: How minutes serve as the official record for every vote and decision. 📋 Personal Journeys: Carol’s path to the state board and her commitment to the Utah PTA. ❤️ Tune in to learn more about the people behind the "Pulse" of Utah’s schools! 🎧🍎

    26 min

  3. FEB 3

    Part 2 with Amber Bonner: Advocacy, Education & Community 🎙️✨

    Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, where we bridge the gap between policy and the people it affects! 📢 Hosted by "Corey Fairholm" and "Angelee Aedo", this episode continues our deep dive into the world of education leadership and advocacy. In this installment, our hosts are joined once again by Amber Bonner, the Utah PTA Education Commissioner, to untangle the "hierarchy of decision-making" in Utah's schools. If you’ve ever wondered who actually has the power to change things in your child's classroom, this conversation is for you. 🍎👪 Amber explains the critical relationship between the state legislature—which passes the laws—and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), which has jurisdiction over every school receiving public dollars, including district and charter schools. With 15 elected members serving the entire state, understanding how this board operates is key to effective advocacy. This episode covers: The difference between state law and board rules. ⚖️How to navigate the USBE hierarchy and identify which of the 15 board members represents you.Why the state board is unique as the "school board" for the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind.Insights into the upcoming election cycles and how leadership shifts impact our schools. 🗳️Amber also shares a powerful reminder for every listener: you don't need to be a policy expert to make a difference. Whether you are speaking to a local principal or a state official, you are the ultimate expert on your own experience and your child’s needs. 🌟 We wrap up the show with our usual fun—discussing the behind-the-scenes magic provided by our director of communications, Mike Williams, and ending with our signature celebratory dance! 💃✨ Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge to be a better advocate for Utah’s students! 🎧🏔️

    26 min

  4. FEB 3

    Part 1 with Amber Bonner: Advocacy, Education & Community 🎙️✨

    Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, your go-to source for everything happening in the world of Utah education and advocacy! 📢 Hosted by "Corey Fairholm" (Immediate Past President of Utah PTA) and "Angelee Aedo" (Vice President of Advocacy), this podcast brings you insightful, lighthearted, and essential conversations about how we can better support our children and schools. 🍎👪 In this episode, our hosts sit down with special guest Amber Bonner, the Utah PTA Education Commissioner, to pull back the curtain on what it truly means to be involved in education leadership. Whether you've wondered what an Education Commissioner actually does all day or how to navigate the complex world of legislative bills, this discussion covers it all with a focus on making advocacy accessible for everyone. +1 Amber shares her personal journey and professional expertise, highlighting the importance of knowing who the right people are to talk to so your voice isn't "useless" in the system. From watching countless board meetings to understanding the nuances of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), Amber provides a roadmap for parents who want to move from the sidelines to the front lines of change. +1 But it’s not all policy and procedures! Get to know the team behind the titles as they share their favorite winter traditions—from Amber’s love of cozying up with a book in the snow to Corey’s memories of skiing in California. You’ll even hear about the "Redheaded Oreo" and the podcast's signature ending: a celebratory dance! 💃❄️ +1 Tune in to discover: How to effectively engage with the USBE and local officials.The reality of serving as an Education Commissioner.+1Practical tips to overcome the frustrations of getting involved.Why your unique perspective as a parent makes you the ultimate expert on your child.

    15 min

  5. JAN 21

    Utah PTA Pulse Podcast: Advocacy with National PTA President Yvonne Johnson

    Join hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo as they welcome Yvonne Johnson, National PTA President, for an inspiring conversation about the power of parent advocacy! 🎙️ In this episode, discover how advocacy is woven into the DNA of PTA and why it matters more than ever. Yvonne shares her personal journey from a frustrated parent fighting for religious holiday recognition to becoming the leader of the nation's largest child advocacy organization. Her story proves that every parent's voice counts! 💪 What You'll Learn: ✨ How PTA's mission centers on advocating for EVERY child 🗣️ Why membership creates a powerful collective voice 📚 Simple ways parents are already advocating without realizing it 🤝 The importance of coalition building and sharing personal stories 💡 Resources available at PTA.org/advocacy to support your advocacy journey Hear heartwarming stories about how PTA involvement shapes children into lifelong advocates, from voting and attending legislative sessions to standing up for what they believe in. Whether you're new to PTA or a seasoned leader, you'll leave feeling empowered to make a difference! 🌟 Key Takeaway: You don't need to be an expert to advocate—your personal story and experience are your expertise. From parent-teacher conferences to school board meetings, if you're raising your voice for children, you're already an advocate! Utah PTA celebrates 100 years while National PTA marks 129 years of fighting for children's futures. Join this incredible legacy! 🎉

    33 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    Kindness and Community

    On this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo (VP of Advocacy Angelietta is mentioned in the transcript ) are joined by Raquel Fodole Clark from the partner organization, One Kind Act A Day. Before diving into kindness initiatives, co-host Angelee Aedo asks Raquel, who is expecting a baby, what she's most looking forward to—seeing her child’s personality develop—and the hosts share valuable parenting advice, emphasizing listening to motherly instinct and not being afraid to "pivot" since every child is different. Raquel introduces One Kind Act A Day, a non-profit organization focused on spreading kindness in the community based on the vision that the world would be a better place if everyone did at least one kind act daily. The organization partners with businesses, communities, religions, and schools to enhance a culture of kindness. A key focus of the discussion is the new Teacher Recognition Award in partnership with Utah PTA. Raquel explains that the monthly award celebrates teachers for the sacrifices they make. The nominated teacher receives a $500 grant to use in their classroom. Anyone, including other teachers, parents, or students, can nominate a deserving teacher who goes "above and beyond" and practices kindness daily. The nomination form can be found on the Utah PTA website (UtahPTA.org). Raquel also discusses One Kind Act A Day's initiative for schools to become certified as an "official school of kindness" through a year-long program involving service projects, counting kindness, and art and essay projects. They also establish student-led kindness clubs for sustainability in following years. Schools interested in applying can find the application on thepowerofkind.org. The hosts praise One Kind Act A Day's work for bringing communities together and promoting deliberate acts of kindness

    18 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    Partnership, Pizzazz, and Practical Finance: Cypress Credit Union and Utah PTA

    Hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo chat with Amanda Morton, VP of Relationship Development at Cyprus Credit Union , about their partnership with Utah PTA. Amanda highlights Cyprus's commitment to supporting educators and students , including providing the free Stukent Financial Literacy Software to every high school in the state of Utah. This software is a digital version of the Game of Life , where students manage credit scores, mortgages, and paychecks over a semester. The program earned Cyprus the Honors in Education Award from Abby Cox.

    33 min

  8. 11/30/2025

    Family Life and Advocacy with Aimee Warren

    Host Corey Fairholm and VP of Advocacy Angelee Aedo welcome Utah PTA Family Life Commissioner Aimee Warren to discuss her role, which focuses on everything happening outside of school hours , including foster care and adoption, after-school programs, and encouraging family time. Amy shares details about her ongoing initiative, Table Talk Tuesday , a weekly social media post on the Utah PTA Facebook and Instagram that provides families with conversation starters to use at the dinner table or in the car. The conversation emphasizes the importance of parental engagement in their children's education and whole life for their success and well-being. Finally, Amy, a former Legislative Action Committee (LAC) member, discusses advocacy work at the Capitol , upcoming bills like affordable child care , and how listeners can get involved with the Family Life Commission or the LAC.

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Empowering Parents, Teachers, and Communities to Make Every Child's Potential a Reality Join us for the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, where we dive deep into the issues that matter most to parents, teachers, and the entire community. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we're here to provide the tools, resources, and inspiration to make that a reality. Our podcast covers a wide range of topics designed to empower and engage. Hear from experts, PTA leaders, and community members as they share their insights on everything from educational equity to fostering a positive school climate. Listen in to learn how you can: Empower your child and help them succeed in school and beyond.Connect with other parents and build a strong community.Advocate for your child's education and ensure they receive the best possible support.Stay informed about the latest trends and issues in education.Whether you're a seasoned PTA member or just starting your parenting journey, the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast has something for everyone. Tune in today and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of children in your community.

Information

  • Creator
    Utah PTA
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Utah Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Utah PTA Pulse Podcast