307. Bringing Leaders and 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!

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: [email protected]   

Free resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RtdfOGJkHBR6mQj9ak-PKIf6gbfQQtFS_eUZrvOZcZ4/edit https://www.amazon.com/Same-Team-Underrepresented-opportunity-achievement/dp/1958590010?crid=3T8403PO58R8L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I6Lj3cX_rrtr_bImQJ1s0T5kR-t_aLMqLTR8_ui-L0wR2H04oM5ayeZ11z1II1utE1U_WjXC1a_f6Eg3V8lTNQ.r8q02p54kXG2EhLvgl06_FuZbZms7PK6VKsKWaOfRcI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ari+Gerzon-Kessler+book&qid=1727662838&sprefix=ari+gerzon-kessler+book%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=dbcf7d2b68579ca6cacff9f12853d99e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl – 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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Student Behavior Solutions Summit

Dealing with student behavior issues already? I’m joining forces with other industry experts to give you PRACTICAL STRATEGIES that will help. Join us FREE at this live, virtual event on Sept. 30 from 5pm - 9pm ET. REGISTER HERE 👉 https://www.thrivingeducator.org/summit —

Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?

Contact Joshua Stamper  for presentations on Leadership Capacity, Mental Health Strategies, Alternative Behavior Practices, Leadership Development, and Innovative campus systems.  

Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper:

Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2  

Aspire to Lead Won the FireBird Award!

I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio!  It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support! The book is available for purchase on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175

Review the Podcast

I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show. [caption id="attachment_3022" align="aligncenter" width="709"]