Engaging Texas Families

Texas Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative

0.0 (0)
EDUCATION
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast from the Texas Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative.

APR 15

From the Ag Shop to the Agency: A Legacy of Leadership with Cory Green

In this episode, 31-year TEA veteran Cory Green shares his remarkable journey from agriculture teacher to Associate Commissioner, highlighting a career defined by service and a family legacy that has seen his children follow him into the classroom. He offers a masterclass in modern education by distinguishing between simple parent involvement and true partnership-based engagement, while providing candid, heart-led advice for new teachers on building trust with families. Through a moving personal story, Cory illustrates how daily interactions with school staff form a critical safety net for students and their parents alike. As he prepares for retirement, he discusses his mission to mentor the next generation of leaders before stepping into his most anticipated role: being the greatest "Grumpy" in Texas and never missing a grandkid's event. Video at 15:00:00 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxyxywShewI

18 min
APR 2

Prom Night, Parent Power - Keeping Teens Safe Without Ruining the Vibe

This special episode of Engaging Texas Families dives into the excitement—and worries—of prom season. KP sits down with Amarillo Police Officer Jarrod Robertson and West Plains High School Principal Eric Gomez to share practical tips for keeping teens safe while still celebrating.From ride-home plans and peer pressure to distracted driving and social hosting risks, they offer real-life stories and strategies to help parents set boundaries, build trust, and make prom a night to remember—for all the right reasons.Amarillo Crime Stoppers: / amarillocrimestoppers West Plains High School: / westplainswolves FOLLOW USFB: / pfetexas INSTAGRAM: / pfetexas

34 min
MAR 6

Episode 10: Risks of Vape and Tobacco for Today's Youth

⚠️ MATURE CONTENT WARNING: This episode is intended for an adult audience (18+) and contains mature themes regarding substance use and addiction. It is not intended for children. This podcast episode features Jarrod Robertson, a leading voice in adolescent health and tobacco prevention, for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of teen nicotine use. As we move into 2026, the "vaping crisis" has shifted from simple experimentation to a sophisticated market of high-tech addiction that parents and educators can no longer ignore.

33 min
FEB 24

Episode 9: Beyond the School Walls: The Power of Community Mapping

In this final episode of our series with the Constantinos, we shift our focus toward Principle #5: Engaging the Greater Community. We explore the foundational belief that every community is rich with assets waiting to be tapped. Steve walks us through the strategic process of community mapping, explaining how to analyze these local resources to determine their value in the engagement process. By identifying "third spaces" where families already feel comfortable, schools can foster a collective impact that benefits both the community and the families within it. We dive into the practical advantages of meeting families where they are—literally—to solve common barriers like transportation gaps and school-based anxiety, while simultaneously helping the broader community understand the vital "why" behind school initiatives. We conclude this powerful series with a direct call to action on implementing the principles of engaging every family. This episode ends on a deeply personal note as we discuss how authentic family and community partnership isn't just a win for students—it is a critical factor in educator well-being. By sharing the load with the community and building genuine bridges, we reduce the isolation of the classroom and create a supportive ecosystem where both teachers and families can thrive.

28 min
FEB 10

Episode 8: The Seat at the Table: Why Family Voice is Non-Negotiable

In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of Principle #4: Engaging Families in Decision- Making through a compelling case study on school attendance. We challenge the common misconception that some families are uninterested in participation, affirming instead that all families possess a deep- seated desire to be involved in the choices affecting their children. By examining the "disservice" we do when we assume institutional goals are clearly understood, we discuss how a perspective shift—moving from judgment to empathy—can bridge communication gaps and build authentic trust. Finally, we highlight the practical application of this principle within the MTSS framework, demonstrating how ensuring adequate parent representation throughout the decision-making process leads to more equitable and sustainable outcomes for every student.

26 min
JAN 27

Episode 7: Building the Bridge: Empowering Families as Partners in Learning

In this episode, we dive deep into Principle 3: Building Family Efficacy, shifting the narrative away from the idea that family engagement requires "doing more." Instead, we unpack how engagement is truly about doing what we already do differently to ensure a level of success for every single family. Constantinos shares an inspiring case study of a newer teacher who thought outside the box by providing a home learning opportunity that prioritized a feedback loop over simple completion. By asking parents how the learning went, she empowered them as partners rather than just supervisors. To provide a 360-degree view of this principle, we are joined by two special guests who offer the essential perspectives of both a school administrator and a parent. Together, we explore how shifting our approach can build genuine confidence in the home-school connection without adding to anyone's already full plate.

22 min
JAN 16

Episode 6: First Impressions & Final Impacts: The Power of Two-Way Relationships

In this episode, Steve and Peggy Constantino explore why authentic relationships are the essential foundation of family engagement. They challenge the idea that simply "sending information" is enough, highlighting the critical difference between basic communication and true engagement. Highlights in this episode include the power of the first impression and how a school’s immediate response to a family’s outreach can either solidify a partnership or dismantle trust. Peggy also shares a powerful personal story of a student who had never received a positive call home—and how one intentional, celebratory phone call fundamentally changed that student’s future. Also included is a discussion on why schools must prioritize two-way relationships to see real gains in student success.

16 min
11/25/2025

Episode 5: Creating a Culture That Engages Every Family

We explore the profound relationship between an organization's culture and its climate, and how this dynamic directly impacts family involvement. The Constantinos then dig deep into a compelling case study involving a high school struggling with persistently low graduation rates. Together, we learn how deliberately focusing on and transforming the internal culture of any organization can generate substantial change and create a lasting positive impact within our schools and communities.

29 min
11/19/2025

Episode 4: Meet the Constantinos

Meet Steve and Peggie Constantino in this introductory episode! The Constantinos share their extensive backgrounds in education and family engagement, explaining the vision behind their companion guide, Case Studies to Engage Every Family. They discuss why this dedicated resource is vital for educators seeking strong home-school connections. Learn how the real-world case studies serve as invaluable building blocks, offering actionable insights to inform and transform your daily practice for successful family engagement.

16 min
09/23/2025

Episode 3: The Art of Connecting

In this episode, we're joined by Kimberly Seagler, a Family Service Specialist with Region 16. In this powerful conversation, Kimberly shares her wisdom, knowledge, and heart on the art of connecting with families and even complete strangers. She explores the profound value these encounters bring to our children, our families, and the world. Tune in to hear her insights on building meaningful relationships and fostering a stronger community.

11 min
09/10/2025

Episode 2: Building Genuine Relationships With Families - Special Guest Todd Nesloney

In this heartwarming episode, join us for a conversation with Todd Nesloney, a familiar voice from the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). Todd shares powerful insights on true engagement, emphasizing the unique value every individual brings to the table. Drawing from his own experiences, including being raised by a single mom, he highlights the profound importance of building genuine relationships with families.

11 min
08/18/2025

Episode 1: Meet the Team: Our Goals, Our Passions, Our Story

Join us for the very first episode of the Engaging Texas Families Podcast! We’re kicking things off with a conversation with our very own Program Coordinator, Shannon Lang. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the mission of the Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative as Shannon shares our program goals and some of the exciting projects we’re working on. In this introductory episode, you'll also get to know Shannon on a more personal level as she shares some interesting and fun facts about her upbringing in a small Texas town. It's a great way to get to know the team and what we're all about!

21 min

12 Episodes

A podcast from the Texas Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative.

Creator

Texas Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Texas Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative
Show Website

Engaging Texas Families