Sept. 28, 2024
307. Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together: Featuring Ari Gerzon-Kessler

In this impactful episode, award-winning author and family partnerships expert, Ari Gerzon-Kessler, explores the crucial topic of building authentic connections between educators and underrepresented families. Ari shares his expertise on the current reality of family engagement in schools and how it often falls short of creating genuine, lasting partnerships.
We dive deep into the difference between family involvement and authentic partnerships, unpacking why traditional approaches to family engagement may not be enough. Ari also provides practical strategies for school leaders on how to create sustainable family partnerships that promote equity, trust, and collaboration.
Lastly, we explore the concept of FET Teams (Families and Educators Together Teams), and how these innovative teams are transforming school-family relationships for the better. This episode is packed with actionable insights for educators and leaders looking to strengthen their connection with families and build inclusive, supportive school communities. Don’t miss this essential conversation on fostering meaningful partnerships in education!
Free resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RtdfOGJkHBR6mQj9ak-PKIf6gbfQQtFS_eUZrvOZcZ4/edit – Magic Mind If you are a long time listener, an ASPIRE Leader, You know I only work with brands that I believe in myself and I integrate in my everyday life, so I’m super happy to talk to you guys about Magic Mind! I started drinking Magic Mind a while back as I was looking for several things, specifically in the afternoon.
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About Ari Gerzon-Kessler:
Ari Gerzon-Kessler is a sought after speaker and professional learning provider. He is the author of On The Same Team: Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together, which won the Gold Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards for outstanding education book of 2024. He is a speaker, trainer, and coach working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. Ari also leads the Family Partnerships department for the Boulder Valley School District (CO). Ari has been an educator since 2000, having served as a principal and bilingual teacher. In 2006, Ari was a recipient of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund. As principal, his school received the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award in 2013. His leadership efforts to strengthen partnerships with underrepresented families and dismantle unjust practices was featured in Education Week in 2015. Ari regularly presents at national and international conferences on Families and Educators Together (FET) teams and other innovative family partnership best practices. His writings have been featured in a variety of educational publications, including Educational Leadership and Principal Magazine. Ari received his bachelor’s in African American Studies from Wesleyan University and a master’s in instruction and curriculum from the University of Colorado. Follow Ari Gerzon-Kessler:- Website:https://www.mediatorsfoundation.org/current-projects/families-and-educators-together-project
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ari.gerzonkessler/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/arigerzon-kessler
- Email: arigerzon@gmail.com
Free resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RtdfOGJkHBR6mQj9ak-PKIf6gbfQQtFS_eUZrvOZcZ4/edit – Magic Mind If you are a long time listener, an ASPIRE Leader, You know I only work with brands that I believe in myself and I integrate in my everyday life, so I’m super happy to talk to you guys about Magic Mind! I started drinking Magic Mind a while back as I was looking for several things, specifically in the afternoon.
- A boost of energy
- Healthy Ingredients
- Easy to drink throughout the day
Magic Mind Subscriptions Experience the power of productivity with Magic Mind subscriptions! Packed with natural ingredients like matcha, adaptogens, and nootropics, Magic Mind is designed to boost your focus, energy, and creativity. With a convenient subscription, you’ll never run out of this magical elixir. Say goodbye to afternoon slumps and hello to sustained, healthy energy. Subscribe today and discover why so many people love starting their day with Magic Mind! https://magicmind.com/ASPIRETOLEAD20 – 20% off for one-time purchases and subscriptions
- Use the code ASPIRETOLEAD20 at checkout for 20% off!
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