NAFSCE News - September Edition
NAFSCE to Honor Family-Engagement Scholar Joyce Epstein at 2026 National Assembly
The National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement plans to recognize the legacy of Joyce Epstein at its National Assembly in San Diego following the August death of the Johns Hopkins University scholar whose research helped shape family-engagement practices in education.
Epstein spent more than 50 years researching partnerships among schools, families and communities, producing more than 150 publications, according to NAFSCE. She also founded the National Network of Partnership Schools, an organization designed to help schools build family and community connections. NAFSCE previously honored Epstein at its inaugural National Assembly in Denver in 2024.
The association’s 2026 Assembly programming will include an in-person keynote featuring educator and author Erin Gruwell, whose work inspired the book and film Freedom Writers, alongside Sonia Rezkalah, a former student of Gruwell’s who now works in family engagement. Their session is scheduled for Oct. 29 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego.
NAFSCE also added a virtual keynote on Oct. 27 with researcher Soo Hong and educator Kindred Obas. The session, titled “Building Teacher-Family Solidarity for Our Future,” will examine approaches to educator preparation that emphasize collaboration with families and communities. The association said all Assembly registrants, including those attending in person, will be able to access virtual sessions.
Ahead of the in-person event, NAFSCE will offer a Relational Leadership Mini-Intensive on Oct. 28. The half-day program is being offered through the association’s partnership with the Relational Leadership team led by Anne Henderson and George and Lisa Otero.
Other Assembly programming will include an interactive Maker Space operated by Count Play Explore, focused on early science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics activities that families can use at home.
NAFSCE identified MAEC, Peachjar, ParentSquare, ExceptionalLives and Families in Schools as sponsors of the 2026 National Assembly.