Beyond the Bake Sale
“The PTA isn’t just about cupcakes and fundraisers… It’s about leadership, vision, and the power of community.”
ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!
“This book helped me finally recognize parent leadership as real leadership. Inspiring, honest, and beautifully empowering.”
Marissa T.
“Susan’s story opened my eyes to the unseen work of families and the power of showing up."
Dr. James O.
“A transformative guide that gave me confidence to lead, speak up, and advocate for my school community.”
Elena M.
Beyond the Bake Sale: Redefining Parent Leadership in Schools
Beyond The Bake Sale: The True Calling of a PTA President redefines PTA leadership by presenting parent leaders as strategists, advocates, and community builders rather than merely fundraisers. Drawing on Susan Saint-Joy’s experiences as a PTA president at Floral Park Bellerose School, the book demonstrates how parent leadership extends far beyond event planning and logistics, encompassing advocacy, inclusion, and bridging families, schools, and communities. Through her own journey, Susan reveals how parents can leverage their voices to create meaningful change in education, strengthen school culture, and foster safe, supportive environments for children.
Witnessing firsthand the impact of engaged parent leadership, Susan was inspired to document both the challenges and opportunities inherent in PTA roles. She illustrates how parent leaders navigate complex systems, balance diverse perspectives, and influence decisions that shape school communities. By sharing personal reflections alongside practical lessons, the book provides readers with actionable guidance for creating inclusive, resilient, and effective parent engagement.
Beyond The Bake Sale serves as a resource for educators, parents, PTA members, policymakers, and community leaders who aspire to build stronger, more equitable school environments. Its central aim is to reposition PTA leadership as a platform for civic engagement and community transformation, moving it beyond bake sales into the realm of vision, strategy, and social impact. Through storytelling, reflection, and actionable advice, Susan Saint-Joy empowers readers to embrace their potential as parent leaders and change agents within their communities.
Susan Saint-Joy is a leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering parents, educators, and communities. A former special education teacher and PTA president, she draws on real-world experience to inspire inclusive leadership and meaningful change. Named a 2024 Woman of Distinction by the New York State Assembly, she also serves as an adjunct professor while pursuing doctoral research in management.
She lives with her two sons and believes leadership begins at home, in schools, and within the communities we call our own.
For media inquiries or speaking requests, Susan can be contacted through her official website.
