At a time when trust in public education is fragile and expectations for transparency, access, and partnership are higher than ever, strengthening relationships with families and community partners is essential to building/rebuilding trust, supporting student success, and advancing district priorities. This three-part academy helps communications professionals and/or FACE staff align their work through clear systems, integrated strategies, and authentic engagement practices. Participants will explore how engagement and communications reinforce each other, learn approaches that work in both large and small districts, and leave with practical tools to build sustainable, districtwide partnerships.

Module 1: Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 (12 - 2 p.m. ET, Virtual): Defining the Work: What Family & Community Engagement Really Is (and Isn’t)

Build a shared understanding of what family and community engagement truly is and isn’t. This session establishes common language across communications and FACE roles, explores current national trust and engagement trends, and helps participants map their district’s engagement ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned PR pro, new to the field, or focused solely on FACE work, this foundation sets the stage for deeper collaboration.

Guest Facilitator: Jessica Hull, Executive Director of Communication and Community Engagement, Roseville City School District (Calif.)

Module 2: Thursday, April 9, 2026 (12 - 2 p.m. ET, Virtual): Working Better Together: Aligning Communication and FACE for Impact 

This session shows how communications and FACE strengthen one another and how to align the work in districts of all sizes. Through real examples from attendance campaigns to rezoning communications, you’ll explore shared workflows, coordinated messaging, and practical approaches that elevate engagement outcomes. Participants walk away with a joint planning template that works for both large departments and one-person shops.

Guest Facilitators: Amy Rovai Gregory, Director of Family Engagement & Partnership Development ,and Luis Cruz Solache, Coordinator of Family Engagement, San Juan Unified School District (Calif.)

Module 3: Thursday, April 30, 2026 (12 - 2 p.m. ET, Virtual): Making Engagement Sustainable: Systems, Partnerships & Long-Term Alignment 

Turn engagement into a long-term system, not a series of isolated events. This session focuses on building durable structures, strengthening school- and community-level partnerships, and measuring what matters. You'll leave with a sustainability blueprint you can use to guide districtwide engagement, no matter your role or district size.

Guest Facilitator: Cristin Casper, External Engagement and Strategic Communications Specialist, Beaufort County School District (S.C.)

Full program registrants will receive calendar invites for each module after registration.