Words That Build Bridges

Catalog description

This professional learning course is designed to support educators in developing effective, empathetic, and culturally responsive communication with families, especially through email and written formats. Grounded in the ASCD text "How to Talk So Parents Will Listen... and Listen So Parents Will Talk" by Johanna K. Lemlech, the course explores how tone, word choice, and perspective can either escalate or de-escalate interactions with parents. Participants will examine common conflict triggers in school-home communication, practice writing and revising real-life responses, and apply culturally responsive-sustaining education (CRSE) principles to build trust and partnership with diverse families. Educators will walk away with a portfolio of strategies and personalized tools that promote clarity, calm, and care in every message they send.