Engaging Texas Families

In this episode, Marcela Andres shares her powerful "why," reflecting on the teacher who saw her potential beyond her circumstances and challenging the "at-risk" labels that often limit families. She dismantles the excuse of "no time," urging us to build the trust necessary to enter spaces as strangersand leave as a community by simply being good humans who show up. To wrap things up, Marcela brings the energy with a fun look at her recent writing, dissecting why the high-stakes drama and intensity of Parent and Family Engagement can often feel like stepping directly into a WWE event.designEDengagement: https://www.designedengagement.com/Article mentioned at the 14:35 mark: https://www.marcelaandres.com/blog-1/familyengagementatwwe

Join Dr. Todd White as he shares his transformative journey from the classroom to the superintendent’s office, offering a unique look at his leadership on the Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Council. Dr. White breaks down the data-driven "academic connection," proving exactly how high-impact family engagement directly correlates to student achievement and the critical value of radical transparency between schools and homes. Finally, he offers a heartfelt personal reflection on how diverse school staff members have uniquely shaped the lives of his four very different children, emphasizing that every educator holds the power to change a family's trajectory.

In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Huerta, whose journey comes full circle from being a Head Start student to serving on his hometown school board immediately after high school. Originally aspiring to be a lawyer, Jaime reveals the moment that shifted his heart toward education, leading him through roles as a teacher and administrator to his current position overseeing compliance and monitoring at the Texas Education Agency.Jaime dives into his philosophy on parent engagement, arguing that true rewards only come after building a relational foundation through simple, positive outreach. He shares high-impact advice for schools on the "dividends" paid by making non-academic, celebratory calls to families to strengthen community bonds. Finally, Jaime shares how he decompresses from the pressures of state leadership through his newest passion: building with Legos to clear his mind and spark creativity.

In this episode, Shanceler Terry, Director of Family and Community Engagement for Alief ISD, reflects on a 28-year career that brought her full circle from the classroom back to her "first love" of serving families.Drawing on her experiences as a mother of three and a dedicated community volunteer, Shanceler shares her "Core Four" mission—reading, talking, eating, and playing—as the essential daily habits for long-term academic success.She also discusses her leadership in Collaborative Conversations, an initiative where Houston-area districts unite to share innovative engagement strategies. Through a heartfelt "mom moment" involving aschool custodian, Shanceler illustrates how every staff member plays a vital role in campus culture and why family liaisons are the essential bridge for connecting parents to the heart of the school.Ailef ISD: https://www.facebook.com/AliefISD

In this episode, 31-year TEA veteran Cory Green shares his remarkable journey from agriculture teacher to Associate Commissioner, highlighting a career defined by service and a family legacy that has seen his children follow him into the classroom. He offers a masterclass in modern education by distinguishing between simple parent involvement and true partnership-based engagement, while providing candid, heart-led advice for new teachers on building trust with families. Through a moving personal story, Cory illustrates how daily interactions with school staff form a critical safety net for students and their parents alike. As he prepares for retirement, he discusses his mission to mentor the next generation of leaders before stepping into his most anticipated role: being the greatest "Grumpy" in Texas and never missing a grandkid's event.Video at 15:00:00 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxyxywShewI

This special episode of Engaging Texas Families dives into the excitement—and worries—of prom season. KP sits down with Amarillo Police Officer Jarrod Robertson and West Plains High School Principal Eric Gomez to share practical tips for keeping teens safe while still celebrating.From ride-home plans and peer pressure to distracted driving and social hosting risks, they offer real-life stories and strategies to help parents set boundaries, build trust, and make prom a night to remember—for all the right reasons.Amarillo Crime Stoppers:   / amarillocrimestoppers  West Plains High School:   / westplainswolves  FOLLOW USFB:    / pfetexas  INSTAGRAM:    / pfetexas  

⚠️ MATURE CONTENT WARNING: This episode is intended for an adult audience (18+) and contains mature themes regarding substance use and addiction. It is not intended for children.This podcast episode features Jarrod Robertson, a leading voice in adolescent health and tobacco prevention, for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of teen nicotine use. As we move into 2026, the "vaping crisis" has shifted from simple experimentation to a sophisticated market of high-tech addiction that parents and educators can no longer ignore.

In this final episode of our series with the Constantinos, we shift our focus toward Principle #5: Engaging the Greater Community. We explore the foundational belief that every community is rich with assets waiting to be tapped. Steve walks us through the strategic process of community mapping, explaining how to analyze these local resources to determine their value in the engagement process. By identifying"third spaces" where families already feel comfortable, schools can foster a collective impact that benefits both the community and the families within it. We dive into the practical advantages of meeting families where they are—literally—to solve common barriers like transportation gaps and school-based anxiety, while simultaneously helping the broader community understand the vital "why" behind school initiatives.We conclude this powerful series with a direct call to action on implementing the principles of engaging every family. This episode ends on a deeply personal note as we discuss how authentic family and community partnership isn't just a win for students—it is a critical factor in educator well-being. By sharing the load with the community and building genuine bridges, we reduce the isolation of the classroom and create a supportive ecosystem where both teachers and families can thrive.

In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of Principle #4: Engaging Families in Decision- Making through a compelling case study on school attendance. We challenge the common misconception that some families are uninterested in participation, affirming instead that all families possess a deep- seated desire to be involved in the choices affecting their children. By examining the "disservice" we do when we assume institutional goals are clearly understood, we discuss how a perspective shift—moving from judgment to empathy—can bridge communication gaps and build authentic trust. Finally, we highlight the practical application of this principle within the MTSS framework, demonstrating how ensuring adequate parent representation throughout the decision-making process leads to more equitable and sustainable outcomes for every student.

In this episode, we dive deep into Principle 3: Building Family Efficacy, shifting the narrative away from the idea that family engagement requires "doing more." Instead, we unpack how engagement is truly about doing what we already do differently to ensure a level of success for every single family.Constantinos shares an inspiring case study of a newer teacher who thought outside the box by providing a home learning opportunity that prioritized a feedback loop over simple completion. By asking parents how the learning went, she empowered them as partners rather than just supervisors. To provide a 360-degree view of this principle, we are joined by two special guests who offer the essential perspectives ofboth a school administrator and a parent. Together, we explore how shifting our approach can build genuine confidence in the home-school connection without adding to anyone's already full plate.

In this episode, Steve and Peggy Constantino explore why authentic relationships are the essential foundation of family engagement. They challenge the idea that simply "sending information" is enough, highlighting the critical difference between basic communication and true engagement.Highlights in this episode include the power of the first impression and how a school’s immediate response to a family’s outreach can either solidify a partnership or dismantle trust. Peggy also shares a powerful personal story of a student who had never received a positive call home—and how one intentional, celebratory phone call fundamentally changed that student’s future. Also included is a discussion on why schools must prioritize two-way relationships to see real gains in student success.

We explore the profound relationship between an organization's culture and its climate, and how this dynamic directly impacts family involvement. The Constantinos then dig deep into a compelling case study involving a high school struggling with persistently low graduation rates. Together, we learn how deliberately focusing on and transforming the internal culture of any organization can generate substantial change and create a lasting positive impact within our schools and communities.

Meet Steve and Peggie Constantino in this introductory episode!The Constantinos share their extensive backgrounds in education and family engagement, explaining the vision behind their companion guide, Case Studies to Engage Every Family. They discuss why this dedicated resource is vital for educators seeking strong home-school connections. Learn how the real-world case studies serve as invaluable building blocks, offering actionable insights to inform and transform your daily practice for successful family engagement.

In this episode,  we're joined by Kimberly Seagler, a Family Service Specialist with Region 16. In this powerful conversation, Kimberly shares her wisdom, knowledge, and heart on the art of connecting with families and even complete strangers. She explores the profound value these encounters bring to our children, our families, and the world. Tune in to hear her insights on building meaningful relationships and fostering a stronger community.

In this heartwarming episode, join us for a conversation with Todd Nesloney, a familiar voice from the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). Todd shares powerful insights on true engagement, emphasizing the unique value every individual brings to the table. Drawing from his own experiences, including being raised by a single mom, he highlights the profound importance of building genuine relationships with families.

Join us for the very first episode of the Engaging Texas Families Podcast! We’re kicking things off with a conversation with our very own Program Coordinator, Shannon Lang. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the mission of the Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative as Shannon shares our program goals and some of the exciting projects we’re working on. In this introductory episode, you'll also get to know Shannon on a more personal level as she shares some interesting and fun facts about her upbringing in a small Texas town. It's a great way to get to know the team and what we're all about!