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 Families
• Beyond the Bake Sale by Anne Henderson
• The Talking Points communication platform
• Ari's School-Family Partnerships Resources to Support Your Next Steps

Ari’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 coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.