We were delighted to join the Corner CAFE podcast to talk about the insights that come from 25 years of sharing our model of home visits with schools and districts across the nation. PTHV Co-Founder and Senior Advisor Yesenia Ramirez and PTHV National Trainer Tyler Post sat down with hosts Nikevia Thomas and Jessica Webster of the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium for this riveting discussion, exploring the origins and core values of this transformative family engagement strategy.

Yesenia Ramirez shared the compelling story of how Parent Teacher Home Visits began as a grassroots effort to bridge the gap between low-income communities and schools plagued by disconnection. Tyler emphasized the profound community bonding and the doors that home visits open for students, ensuring they are college and career-ready. He highlights the personal and vulnerable nature of engagement, creating a strong foundation for collaboration between families and educators. Through home visits, parents feel empowered to share their hopes and dreams for their children, fostering a deeper connection between schools and communities.

Furthermore, the conversation explored how Parent Teacher Home Visits amplify parents’ voices in education. Tyler stressed that these visits create an open forum for parents, allowing them to communicate more freely and confidently about their concerns, aspirations, and questions. The visits provide parents with a sense of partnership in their child’s education and help bridge the gap between school and home.

In fitting tribute, the podcast was released during the National Parent Teacher Home Visit Week, celebrated from September 18 to 23, 2023. This week serves as an opportunity to honor teachers, celebrate the relationships and trust built through home visits, and raise awareness about the effectiveness of this proven model in enhancing family engagement and student success. The ultimate goal is to encourage more educators to participate in home visits, fostering stronger connections between schools, families, and communities.