Certificate Programme in Intersectional Family-School Partnerships
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm excited to be talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in education and the instructor for the new Certificate Programme in Intersectional Family-School Partnerships. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about your personal experiences that led you to create this course? GUEST: Absolutely, I've spent over two decades working in diverse educational settings, and I've seen firsthand the importance of strong family-school partnerships. However, I also noticed that these relationships often lacked consideration for the intersections of race, culture, and socio-economic status. This inspired me to develop a course that addresses these critical factors. HOST: That's fascinating. How does this programme help learners navigate the complexities of intersectionality within family-school partnerships? GUEST: The course equips learners with essential skills like cultural competency, conflict resolution, and community engagement. By understanding intersectionality, they can create inclusive practices that promote equity, access, and success for all students. HOST: Could you share some current industry trends that make this course particularly relevant right now? GUEST: Sure, with growing diversity in schools and an increased focus on social justice, there's a pressing need for professionals who can facilitate effective communication between families and schools. Our programme addresses this demand, preparing learners to make a meaningful difference in students' lives. HOST: That's inspiring. What challenges have you encountered in teaching this subject, or that learners might face in this area? GUEST: One challenge is overcoming unconscious biases. The course encourages self-reflection and open dialogue to help learners recognize and address their own biases, fostering a more inclusive environment. HOST: Looking to the future, where do you see the field of education heading in terms of intersectional family-school partnerships? GUEST: I believe we'll see a greater emphasis on inclusive practices and a more intentional effort to engage families from all backgrounds. Our certificate programme is designed to prepare educators and administrators for this evolving landscape. HOST: Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. We're excited to see the positive impact this course will have on family-school partnerships and the future of education. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm looking forward to seeing the transformative change this course can bring to the education system.
