Faculty Expert Profile

Joyce Epstein established the National Network of Partnership Schools to help school, district, and state leaders develop and implement research-based programs of partnerships among educators, families and communities. Epstein was recently quoted in an article about the types of technology schools use to communicate with parents, including texting. Epstein said schools need to make sure such communications are two-way, not just educators pushing out information to parents.

A recent study showed that district-level leaders and school-based teams contribute to the quality of school programs of family and community engagement, more participation by diverse families, and better student attendance. She also found that, worldwide, future teachers and administrators need to be better prepared to conduct family engagement as part of their professional work.

She has over one hundred fifty publications including "School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Your Handbook for Action, 4th Edition (2019)" and a textbook for college courses, "School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools, 2nd Edition (2011)."