Real Talk: Building School-Family Collaboration Through Dialogue Between Parents and Preservice Teachers

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 5:10 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Building Bridges: Collaborative Approaches to Community Needs in Education and Mental Health (Table 6)

Abstract

Responding to the need for teacher education programs to better prepare teachers to engage families as equal partners, this study piloted an instructional intervention in which preservice teachers (n=24) and parents (n=8) met in a rural K-12 school district and engaged in simulated discussions. Researchers reviewed videos of the simulations, audio from the parent feedback panel, and written reflections from parents and preservice teachers. Preliminary findings indicate 1) this intervention fostered collaboration, with parents offering valuable feedback and teachers demonstrating openness; and 2) the intervention may bolster family engagement and empowerment, teacher responsiveness, and school-university partnerships. This study underscores the potential of authentic engagement to improve family-teacher relationships and suggests further research on long-term impacts and interprofessional collaborations.

Authors

• Lightning Jay, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Naorah Rimkunas, Binghamton University - SUNY