By Joanna D. Geller, Ph.D
This case study showcases how Fayette County Public Schools in Kentucky transformed its approach to family engagement through a powerful professional development series led by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL). By adopting a “train-the-trainer” model, the district equipped its Family and Community Engagement (FACE) liaisons to deliver the training directly to educators, fostering districtwide alignment around a shared vision for authentic family partnerships. The impact of this effort was enhanced by the district strategically prioritizing family engagement, guided by the research-based Dual Capacity-Building Framework. Though focused on family engagement, this case offers broader insights into how district professional development—when well-structured and purpose-driven—can spark lasting cultural and systemic change.