Certified Professional in Family Engagement
Published on June 20, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm excited to have Dr. Jane Smith with us. She's an expert in family engagement and the instructor for the Certified Professional in Family Engagement course. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about your personal experiences that led you to teach this course? GUEST: Absolutely, I've worked as an educator and social worker for over 20 years, and I've seen firsthand the positive impact of effective family-school partnerships. I'm passionate about empowering professionals to build strong relationships with families and create collaborative learning environments. HOST: That's wonderful. Now, family engagement is a crucial aspect of education and community development. Can you share any current industry trends or insights related to this course topic? GUEST: Certainly, there's a growing emphasis on cultural competency and inclusivity in family engagement. Professionals are recognizing the importance of understanding and respecting diverse family backgrounds and values to create meaningful partnerships. HOST: That's so important. Now, as an instructor, have you encountered any challenges in teaching this subject or seen students struggle with certain aspects of the course content? GUEST: Yes, one challenge is helping students understand that family engagement goes beyond parent-teacher conferences or open houses. It's about creating ongoing, two-way communication and collaboration between families and schools to support student success. HOST: I see. And finally, looking toward the future, what do you envision for the role of family engagement in education and community leadership? GUEST: I believe family engagement will continue to be a key factor in improving student outcomes and building stronger communities. As educators, social workers, and community leaders, we have the opportunity to empower families, foster collaboration, and create lasting, positive change. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on the Certified Professional in Family Engagement course. It's clear that this program will provide valuable skills and knowledge for professionals in the field. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure sharing my experiences and thoughts on this important topic.
