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

Olivia Wahl

04 November 2024

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 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.