In today's episode as we welcome Dr. Stephany Cuevas, Assistant Professor at Chapman University and esteemed author, including works like "Apoyo sacrificial, sacrificing support: How undocumented Latinx parents get their children to college" and "Everyone Wins! The Evidence for Family-School Partnerships and Implications for Practice." Dr. Cuevas brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Cuevas shares her personal journey and illuminates how she is shaping the landscape of education by empowering the next generation of educators. Discover her unique insights and strategies for fostering robust family engagement within educational settings. Key highlights include: Dr. Cuevas' personal journey and profound insights into family engagement. Practical strategies tailored for educators at all levels to enhance family engagement practices. Actionable tips for in-service teachers and principals to implement immediately, enriching their interactions with families and students alike. Resources: Parent Home Visit Project Purposeful Educator Connections NAFSCE Phone calls home - sample scripts https://designEDengagement.com

In this episode, Dr. Younghans imparts valuable insights from his educational journey situated in a small school with 300 students, nestled within a broader K-12 community of 9,000. Discover how the principles of building strong connections with students, educators, and families in a small setting can be scaled to larger districts. Dr. Younghans emphasizes the importance of presence, genuine relationships, and open communication. Moreover, he provides simple yet profound leadership reminders that we can all take to foster a healthy culture of partnerships. Learn how this unified approach not only enhances education but also cultivates an ideal student experience, where everyone collaborates to support students on their educational journey.

In this episode of "Transformative Partnerships," Marcela Andrés introduces seven principles inspired by family engagement research. Drawing on research and frameworks, Marcela provides an easy-to-apply approach. These principles, demonstrated through a case addressing chronic absenteeism, serve as a practical guide for impactful initiatives. Join us to explore the transformative potential of these principles and stay tuned for more insights on "Transformative Partnerships." Worksheet: bit.ly/45gJfW6

In this candid dialogue with Fidelina Ortiz, Marcela's mother, explore the challenges faced by families who don't engage in the traditional ways. Listen to Fidelina's heartfelt reflections on not conforming to traditional school measures of engagement. Gain insight into her experiences supporting her daughters through school, and as the conversation concludes, discover valuable tips from Fidelina for families and educators to foster stronger partnerships. Join us for a compelling episode that delves into the realities and lessons of non-traditional family engagement.

In the Season 2 premiere of "Transformative Partnerships," join host Marcela Andrés as we embark on an exhilarating journey into the heart of transformation. Our first episode features an exclusive conversation with Steven Menduke, the visionary Principal of Teach Tech Charter High School. Discover how Teach Tech is rewriting the education narrative, profoundly impacting families, one at a time. Menducke shares invaluable insights into the collaborative efforts that drive transformation within the school and emphasizes the importance of understanding our own positions in the process. In a candid and thought-provoking conversation, Principal Menduke emphasizes the significance of understanding our own positions and privileges in leading transformative work. His insights spark a powerful reflection on the role we play in fostering authentic connections with the communities we serve.

During this week's episode Marcela highlights a self-assessment tool you can use from the book, "Beyond the Bake Sale" and takes us on a quick journey through the Dual Capacity Framework. 

In this episode, your host Marcela Andrés takes you on a journey through over 50 years of research on the profound benefits of family engagement in the education system. Join us as we soar at a 50,000-foot view to understand how family engagement positively impacts students, families, and educators. Marcela delves into the renowned Urie Brofenbrenner's Ecological System Theory Model, which provides a holistic perspective on how various factors shape a child's development within the family, school, and community contexts. Discover the interconnected web of influences that play a vital role in nurturing our young minds. But that's not all! Marcela also unveils an insightful piece of research from the Chicago Consortium on School Improvement. Learn about the transformative insights this research offers, shedding light on the critical intersection of family involvement, school improvement, and student success. Stay tuned because this is just the beginning of our journey into the world of family engagement. Next week, in Part 2, Marcela will continue our exploration by introducing the Dual Capacity Framework and sharing more fascinating research that will deepen your understanding of this essential educational topic. Don't miss out on this two-part series that will leave you informed and inspired

In this inspiring podcast episode, Dr. Alfonzo shares her remarkable journey from overcoming adversity to becoming a school principal and advocate for transformative partnerships in education. She emphasizes the value of diverse abilities, including proficiency in multiple languages, and how these skills can be harnessed as assets rather than disabilities. The episode delves into the evolution of family and community engagement in education, challenging outdated notions of mere translation and advocating for genuine, collaborative partnerships. As a school principal during the COVID-19 pandemic, our Dr. Alfonzo provides insights into what constitutes a transformative partnership, emphasizing co-designing solutions, addressing community needs, and preparing students for a dynamic job market. This podcast invites listeners to rethink traditional approaches to education and partnership, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between education and real-world opportunities. Join us for an enlightening conversation that underscores the need to unlock the potential within students, families, and communities through transformative partnerships in education.

In this podcast episode titled "Organizational Conditions for Transformative Partnerships," Marcela engages in a conversation with Dr. Frank, an experienced educator with 19 years of experience. Dr. Frank discusses his passion for working with young people, particularly in high school settings, and his deep love for being around kids and families. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for students. The conversation then delves into the essential conditions for organizational leadership to foster transformative partnerships, highlighting three key factors: competency, authenticity, and effective communication. Dr. Frank underscores the interconnectedness of all decisions within an educational institution, emphasizing that every aspect, including operations and culture, impacts students' experiences. He believes that leaders should be competent in all aspects of the organization, from academics to operations, and that a strong leadership team capable of making informed decisions is crucial. Authentic leadership is seen as essential, with Dr. Frank stressing the importance of leaders genuinely considering every decision's impact and being transparent in their actions to build trust among stakeholders. Effective communication, both written and verbal, is also highlighted as vital, with Dr. Frank emphasizing the need for leaders to communicate clearly and consistently to ensure that all stakeholders have a comprehensive understanding of decisions and their rationale. In addition to discussing the essential conditions for transformative partnerships in education, Dr. Frank provides a high-level overview of his book titled "Non-unitive School Discipline." https://www.dradamfrank.com/

In this episode, Dr. Dacruz Arduser discusses the profound impact educators have on the lives of children, drawing from her personal experiences where educators played a pivotal role in her own journey. She emphasizes the importance of transformative partnerships in education, highlighting collaboration between families, educators, and the community to support students. Dr. Arduser stresses the need to build trust and treat parents as equal partners rather than recipients of charity. Asset-based giving is highlighted, focusing on investing in students' potential rather than simple donations. Overcoming challenges like parental skepticism and resistance is addressed, along with the importance of having a staff team skilled in engaging with families. Dr. Arduser also underlines the idea that the work of education should be exciting and that if it's not difficult, then something might be missing. Dr. Arduser emphasizes the significance of making the most of the limited time educators have with each student, recognizing that even a short period of time can have a lasting impact. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of purpose-driven leadership in education, the value of collaborative partnerships, and the potential for transformative change when educators are committed to their mission.