When a parent sees your school’s number on their phone, what do they expect to hear?
That answer might tell you something important about the relationship you’ve built.
In episode 306 of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Ted Huff joins Darrin for a conversation about moving family engagement beyond fundraising and building partnerships grounded in trust, listening, and shared hopes for students.
Ted brings 31 years of experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He and Darrin first connected in Washington, D.C., in 2016 while representing their states as Principals of the Year. Ten years later, they reconnect to explore a leadership responsibility that can easily get buried beneath the daily demands of the job: intentionally building relationships with families.
From scheduling positive calls home to taking academic support into an apartment complex clubhouse, Ted shares practical examples of meeting families where they are. They also discuss how to approach difficult conversations, create a welcoming front office, and make family engagement part of a district’s long-term direction.
In this episode, we explore:
A question to take back to your team:
If a family only hears from us when something goes wrong, what can we change this week?
Connect with Dr. Ted Huff
Website: Leading with Parents
Email: tedhuff@leadingwithparents.org
LinkedIn: Search “Leading with Parents”
Thank you to our sponsors
HeyTutor — In-person, high-dosage tutoring for K–12 schools and districts, with recruiting, hiring, training, and supervision handled by HeyTutor.
Curriculum Leadership Institute — A partner in aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment across your district. Mention Leaning Into Leadership to receive 5% off your first year of partnership.
Share this episode with a leader who could use a clear place to begin, and remember to rate, review, and subscribe.