In the latest episode of the Parent Teacher Home Visits Podcast, PTHV Executive Director Andrea Prejan sits down with 2024 National Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that takes a deep into the art and impact of family engagement in education—especially in diverse communities.

Missy shares her personal journey as an educator, her unwavering advocacy for immigrant students and their families, and the profound role that building relationships plays in fostering student success. Her message is clear: family engagement isn’t just a teaching strategy; it’s about human connection.

A Journey Rooted in Passion and Advocacy

Missy Testerman’s passion for teaching was ignited in her own kindergarten classroom, back in the 1900s, as she’s fond of saying, where she first dreamed of helping young minds grow. Decades later, she’s now a staunch advocate for inclusivity and equity, particularly for immigrant families in her community in eastern Tennessee.

Her transition into teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) was a pivotal moment. When a long-standing ESL teacher at her school left, Missy stepped up—not just to teach but to advocate. Her aim? To ensure that her students and their families felt supported in adapting to a new school community. “When parents feel like you’re on the same side they are, which should always be the kids’ side, it makes working together easier,” Missy explains.

Key Insights from Missy on Family Engagement

This conversation delivers a treasure trove of insights on the importance of family-school partnerships.

The Importance of Building Trust

Missy shares how intentional family engagement efforts have been a game-changer in helping her to connect with families. From simple tweaks as ensuring families got schools messages in their home language to even helping parents understand dismissals for medical appointments, she gained invaluable insights into their lives and built trust that extended to their parents. One story, in particular, stands out—a young girl who was initially terrified of school, yet blossomed into a confident learner thanks to Missy’s outreach and relationship with her family. The young student’s mom eventually shared that she’d had negative experiences with schooling when she was student, allowing Missy to understand help the family overcome their fears.

Overcoming Language Barriers

Connecting with immigrant families often means overcoming significant language barriers. Missy recounts how translation technology like apps has been instrumental in bridging the communication gap. These tools ensure that language isn’t a barrier to collaboration. But a willing spirit and resourceful approach go a long way toward bridging language gaps.

Empowering Educators as Advocates

Missy passionately advocates for teachers to be recognized as the experts in their classrooms. “All of the policies that affect everything that we do in our classrooms are crafted by people who are not in the classroom,” she points out, urging teachers to use their voices to shape education policy.

Practical Family Engagement Strategies

Missy offers actionable advice for educators, such as hosting informal gatherings—like “popsicles at the park” and getting professional development for systemic family engagement, for practices like Parent Teacher Home Visits. These actions create a welcoming atmosphere for families and open the door for ongoing communication and collaboration.

Celebrating Success

Missy also emphasizes that home visits are not just about addressing challenges—they’re about celebrating successes. These moments of connection help strengthen the bond between home and school, fostering a sense of community.

Advocating for Funding

Engaging families requires resources, and Missy is a vocal advocate for funding these initiatives. “Any investment in funding that we can make… is going to pay off with really great dividends when there’s better engagement between families, and when our students are more successful in the classroom,” she explains.

A Call to Action: Redefining the Path Forward

Missy Testerman’s insights challenge educators, policymakers, and communities to rethink the role of families in education. If you’re an educator, parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of education, this episode is a must-listen. Gain practical strategies, hear heartwarming stories, and learn from one of the most passionate advocates for students today.

🎧 Tune in to the latest episode and listen to past episodes here.