In this special National Family Engagement Month episode, PTHV Executive Director Andrea Prejean sits down with family engagement pioneer Anne T. Henderson for a conversation spanning four decades of advocacy, research, and transformation in education. Anne authored the first evidence review on parent involvement in 1981 and has guided the field through multiple cycles of federal policy—from Reagan's block grants to today's dramatic funding cuts. Andrea and Anne explore how family engagement has evolved from transactional, compliance-driven approaches to relational, trust-centered school cultures. They discuss the current crisis in chronic absenteeism, teacher retention challenges, and why authentic relationships—built through practices like Parent Teacher Home Visits—remain a powerful tool for creating schools where everyone thrives.

Are we truly preparing future teachers to build meaningful partnerships with families? In this powerful episode, experts Tim Finklea from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and Jenna Porter from California State University Sacramento dive deep into the critical challenges facing teacher preparation programs. They explore why family engagement matters, how it impacts student success, and what innovative approaches can transform how we train educators. With teacher shortages growing and student needs becoming more complex, this conversation offers crucial insights into reimagining education through strong home-school connections. Learn how we can support teachers in becoming true partners with families and create more inclusive, supportive learning environments. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or advocate, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what’s possible when schools and families work together for student success.

Buckle up for a powerful journey through education, community, and hope! In this electrifying episode, Kwesi Rollins - a veteran advocate for families and education and this year's Jocelyn Graves Awardee - drops truth bombs about transforming schools from the ground up. From his early days as a community organizer in Washington D.C.'s toughest neighborhoods to his groundbreaking work in family engagement and community schools, Kwesi dismantles myths about "uninvolved" parents and reveals the secret sauce of building genuine school-family partnerships.