Building Authentic Family-School Partnerships: FET Teams to Transform Engagement with Ari Gerzon-Kessler

In this powerful episode, Ari Gerzon-Kessler shares practical strategies for creating meaningful connections between schools and underrepresented families through his innovative Families and Educators Together (FET) teams model. Drawing from his experience as a teacher, principal, and current leader of the Family Partnerships Department for Boulder Valley School District, Ari discusses:➡️The critical difference between family involvement versus authentic partnership➡️How to successfully launch and sustain FET teams ➡️The importance of moving beyond traditional involvement to true collaboration➡️Practical ways to build trust through intentional practices➡️Creating sustainable structures for family-school partnerships➡️Seven key strategies for promoting positive family communication➡️Real examples of successful action projects and outcomes➡️The value of flattening hierarchies and creating psychological safety🌟Ari’s Book: On the Same Team: Bringing Educators and Underrepresented Families Together, won the Independent Publishers Book Awards 2024 IPPY Gold Medal for outstanding education book.↪️Other Resources Mentioned:7 Ways to Promote Positive Communication with FamiliesBeyond the Bake Sale by Anne HendersonThe Talking Points communication platformAri's School-Family Partnerships Resources to Support Your Next StepsAri’s Bio:Ari Gerzon-Kessler is author of On The Same Team: Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together, which won the Independent Publishers Book Awards 2024 IPPY Gold Medal for outstanding education book. He is a speaker, trainer, and coach working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. Ari also leads the Family Partnerships department for the Boulder Valley School District (CO). 🎙️New episodes release every Monday featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.When teachers, coaches, administrators, and families grow together, they create schools where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged, supported, and ready to thrive.