When we first brought the idea of Parent Teacher Home Visits (PTHV) to Framingham back in 2016, we were responding to a simple but powerful need: to build lasting, meaningful partnerships between our schools and the families we serve. At that time, our focus was on multilingual learners, sparked by inspiration from a conference presentation. We used Title III funds to train a small but dedicated pilot group—23 teachers across five schools—and began laying a foundation for something much bigger. Expansion soon followed, encompassing all our Title I schools and emphasizing inclusivity. As our Framingham community has grown, so too has our belief that every family, no matter background or language, should feel welcome and connected to their child’s school. Today, we’ve trained 670 staff members, with 224 making a remarkable 834 home visits in just this past year.

Creating a Culture of Connection and Belonging

One thing we’re most proud of is how quickly teachers—already giving so much on their own—embraced the opportunity to engage with families in new ways. Their excitement was palpable from day one, though some initial concerns about things like safety and logistics naturally arose. Fortunately, clear guidance, city support, and effective PTHV training quickly allayed these fears, allowing our team to focus on building relationships rather than barriers. As Megan notes, after a home visit, teachers always share how amazed they are at the warmth of the welcome—and at the changes they see the very next day at school. The spark in a student’s eyes, the newfound confidence, it’s a transformation you can feel. One powerful story comes from a recently arrived family from Brazil: During their visit, our staff asked about the child’s hopes and dreams. Her mother had never heard her share those aspirations out loud. It was a moment that brought tears—and it led to her daughter exploring music and theater, feeling like she truly belonged. Today, that parent is a PTHV trainer, encouraging others by saying, ‘This changes lives. It changed ours.’”

What We’re Learning (and Still Working On)

With any initiative of this size, there are challenges. We see a core group of incredibly active staff doing multiple visits, and a fair number who, though they’ve trained, haven’t yet made that leap. We’re committed to supporting them and removing any remaining obstacles—whether through peer recognition, building leadership, or simple encouragement to just try that crucial first visit. To keep ourselves accountable and motivated, our superintendent has set clear goals for each school, now making regular progress on home visit participation part of every faculty meeting. We’re shifting from simply training more people to ensuring our district’s investment results in real connection—and that every teacher feels empowered and proud to join in.

Why PTHV Endures in Framingham

For all the numbers, the real heart of PTHV is seen in moments of trust, shared stories, and community growth. Teachers are often invited into homes not just as educators, but as guests—offered coffee, treats, and beautiful glimpses inside the lives of the families we serve. “Sometimes, you just don’t want to leave,” Megan reflects. “Caregivers appreciate it so much, and the joy is mutual.” Looking back, we wish we’d involved district leadership even earlier, and tracked data more systematically to show the full impact. But we also know that the ripple effects—the family that calls a trusted teacher long after their child has moved on, the parent who steps up to lead, the bulletin board brightened by home visit photos—are speaking loudly enough. As our district moves deeper into the community schools model, we’re excited to see how PTHV will continue to be a cornerstone of family engagement, connection, and hope.

Our Message to Other Districts

If you’re considering starting Parent Teacher Home Visits, our advice is simple: just do it. All the research and all our experience tell us that relationships matter now more than ever. Be intentional about supporting your staff, get your leadership on board, and find ways to recognize those who take the leap. The payoff—a stronger, more vibrant school community—is worth every step. As we celebrate National PTHV Week, we honor the teachers, families, and leaders who make these visits possible. You’re building the future, one relationship at a time.

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Christine Mulroney is President, Framingham Teachers Association, and Megan Quinlan is a Language Development Coach at Framingham Public Schools.