The Mindset That Makes Family Partnerships Possible

If we view school as a one-dimensional institution with a narrow purpose—primarily focused on delivering content and measuring student proficiency aligned to narrow metrics—then the idea of partnering with families may seem like an unnecessary distraction. But if we believe learning happens within a larger ecosystem, where relationships and real-world context shape the learning experience, then family partnerships become essential.

Even with this broader view of the ecosystem, engaging families in meaningful ways can remain a challenge. On one side, you might have families who view educators as experts. Just as they wouldn’t walk into a hospital and start telling the doctors what to do, they don’t want to step inside a school and do the same to teachers. In my experience, educators sometimes misconstrue this perceived lack of involvement as a signal about the value of education, which may be the opposite of what is actually happening. 

On the other side, you might have hyper-involved families checking in so frequently that it feels like they are assessing every move a teacher makes. They are so committed to being present that, without the proper structures in place, it can become exhausting and create unintended tension.

No matter which end of the spectrum your families are coming from, true partnership requires stepping back and creating a shared purpose. The “right” level of parent involvement will be different for every family, teacher, and administrator. Rather than making assumptions, we must create opportunities for open communication and meaningful dialogue. The goal is not involvement for involvement’s sake, it’s about genuine partnership—an exchange where both educators and families contribute to a shared vision of learner success.

Read More: Education Change Management: The Power of a Guiding Coalition

Family Partnerships in Action at Santa Ana Unified School District

One district that has created and actualized this shared vision for family partnerships is Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD). Here is how they describe their Family and Community Engagement (FACE) practice:

“Family Engagement is a full, equal, and equitable partnership among families, educators, and community partners to promote children’s learning and development from birth through college and career…FACE is a practice, not a program. It is a practice built on mutually trusting relationships which lead to shared leadership in benefit of all students. In SAUSD, we are all FACE practitioners.”

At SAUSD, FACE is multidimensional. Through partnerships with local colleges, parents can attend classes on school campuses while their children are in school. These classes range from English language learning to job training, providing families with valuable resources and creating a natural reason for them to be present on campus. In addition, Santa Ana employs family liaisons who maintain a growing resource binders filled with information about dental care, employment opportunities, and other critical needs. When families walk into the school with a question, they don’t just get sympathy—they get tangible support.

The impact of these efforts is visible. Family members are present in schools for more than just checking report cards; they are active participants in a broader learning community.

Tune-in to The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast: Episode 34: Families and Caregivers Empowering Teachers with Sandy Cima

Are Family Partnerships “Just One More Thing” to Add to Our Plates?

When educators hear about cultivating family partnerships, a natural reaction is, “That’s just one more thing added to my plate.” Some administrators might think, “That’s one more hire I have to make when budgets are already tight.”

Family engagement today may feel like an “extra” responsibility in the same way that technology instruction once did. My mother, who was a computer teacher in the 80’s, could attest to this. Schools had dedicated computer labs and specialists who taught students how to use them. Over time, as technology became an integral part of learning, it stopped being a separate subject and became embedded across all aspects of education.

Devin Vodicka’s mother teaching a computer class in the 1980’s

The same shift can happen with family partnerships. Today, family engagement specialists serve as dedicated roles within schools. But the long-term vision is that every educator, administrator, and leader will have the capacity to build meaningful relationships with families as a natural part of their role.

Instead of waiting for systemic change to catch up, every educator has the opportunity to model this future right now. Regardless of role or title, we can demonstrate what’s possible through meaningful relationships and collaboration. A classroom teacher’s role in this work will look different from that of a principal or a district leader, but no matter where we sit in the system, we all have the power to foster authentic partnerships that benefit students.

Developing Family Partnerships is a Skill We Have to Build

Building relationships is not something that “just happens.” It is a skill—one that requires intention, effort, and practice.

When I first started working with English Learner Advisory Councils in Carlsbad, I didn’t begin by making sweeping changes. Instead, I sat down with parents one-on-one, asking about their experiences and learning from their stories. That curiosity led to small gatherings, which led to larger groups, which eventually created vibrant family engagement.

For any educator wondering where to start, the first step is simple: reach out to a family member and ask questions. Be curious. See what you learn. Maybe that leads to another one-on-one conversation. Maybe that leads to a small group. And over time, that connectedness snowballs into meaningful partnerships.

Family partnerships don’t require a massive new initiative or a complex program. They begin with listening, trust, and the recognition that learning is not a solo journey—it happens in community.

The path forward is clear: build relationships, be intentional, and partner with families to create the learning ecosystems our students deserve.

Partnering with families is step one when we work with schools and districts to establish and implement their learner-centered visions. Connect with our team to learn more about how we can support this work in your community.