What if strong parent engagement was the key to happier teachers and more successful students?

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by education consultant, coach, and speaker Peyten Williams to explore how schools can foster meaningful partnerships with parents. Peyten shares why parent education shouldn’t stop after orientation and how ongoing communication and support can make a real difference for students. From strengthening communication to facilitating supportive school communities, Peyten and Wendy discuss practical ways schools can connect with families, improve conversations, and build a stronger school community for students, teachers, and parents alike.

Resources for Continued Learning

Food for Thought Parent Discussions

Join Food for Thought, a weekly Zoom session hosted by Peyten Williams and Becky McKnight, a former school administrator. These free discussions cover common parenting concerns, including friendships, technology, and discipline. Watch past recordings on Peyten’s YouTube Channel.

Bowbend Consulting Best Practices for Parent Engagement Events

Peyten Williams developed the Best Practices Checklist for Parent Engagement Events to help schools improve parent participation. This resource includes:

• Grouping parents by grade level for more relevant discussions.
• Converting lectures into podcasts or recorded videos for flexible access.
• Scheduling events at convenient times, such as after drop-off or before pick-up. By using these strategies, schools can create events that encourage meaningful engagement.

Professional Learning with Teaching Channel

Looking to boost your teaching skills and advance your career? Teaching Channel’s graduate-level courses are designed to help educators build strong partnerships with families and enhance student success.

5844: Engaging Parents for Student Success

This course explores effective ways to foster parent, caregiver, and community engagement. Learn how to strengthen family-school relationships, encourage participation, and improve communication between teachers and families to create a more supportive learning environment.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to Teaching Channel Talks on your favorite podcast platform for more insights, resources, and professional learning opportunities.

Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Contact us at [email protected]