A recent article published on K-12 Dive discussed the growing momentum to break down barriers between family engagement practices and educator preparation programs. According to guidance issued by the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement in conjunction with AACTE and several other groups, teacher candidates should have meaningful clinical experiences with families and communities through partnerships with the preparation program, school and community.

Released in December, the framework suggests educator preparation programs dedicate courses and fieldwork to family and community engagement. This work should be embedded throughout a teacher candidate’s coursework and not just in one standalone class, the guidance said.

Integrating family and community engagement practices into educator preparation programs will also help recruit future educators to teach within their own communities. Focusing on educator preparation and family engagement together also creates an opportunity to diversify the teaching workforce.