Learning Heroes

We're excited to share that our CEO & Founder Bibb Hubbard will be joining Keri Rodrigues (National Parents Union), Maribel Gardea (MindshiftED), & Trenace Dorsey-Hollins (Parent Shield Fort Worth) at for the session, “Beyond Voice: When Parents Shape the System.”

They'll explore what families are actually looking for in their children’s learning experiences and what happens when parents are not just consulted, but engaged in the design of the next generation of learning opportunities.

This year’s theme is Build What’s Next, and we're glad to be part of a conversation focused on creating learning experiences that are more relevant, responsive, and future-ready. If you’ll be at Summit, come join us!

🗓️: May 7, 2026
🕛: 1:20pm - 2:20pm PT

Learn more: https://www.newschools.org/summit/schedule/

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re recognizing the educators who show up for students and families every single day.

Teachers are doing more than delivering lessons. They’re building relationships, navigating challenges, and helping students stay on track in a moment when learning recovery and engagement matter more than ever.

We know that strong family-school partnerships make a real difference. When teachers and families work together, students are more likely to attend school regularly, stay engaged, and succeed academically.

To every teacher supporting not just students, but entire families: thank you.

Let’s continue working together to ensure every child has the support they need to thrive.

The Learning Heroes Assistant is a (free) AI-powered chatbot that offers expert-vetted resources to answer your questions, from building math skills and boosting your child’s confidence, to partnering with teachers and more.

Check out it out here: https://gobeyondgrades.org/learning-heroes-assistant/

If your child struggles in school, you may wonder why & how you can help. 1 in 5 children in the U.S. has a learning & thinking difference like dyslexia and ADHD. We teamed up with Understood.org to create a new family guide with helpful resources. Learn more: https://gobeyondgrades.org/learning-differences/

Summer is a time for your child to discover, learn, and thrive! Take advantage of your school district’s tutoring or summer programs and find in-person and online summer learning activities based on your child’s needs and interests. Learn more at http://GoBeyondGrades.org

Go Beyond Grades Here are 3 ways to team up with the teacher to make sure your child is on track for grade level success

Did you know that being on track in 9th grade is the greatest predictor of high school graduation? Get a jumpstart on helping your child succeed in high school and beyond. Learn about key milestones, class choices, careers, and more with http://GoBeyondGrades.org.

Even if your school doesn’t have spring conferences, reach out to your child’s teacher. Try this simple 3-step tool to make a plan for summer learning based on what your child needs at http://GoBeyondGrades.org.

In a powerful essay from Principal Sara Pearman, we see how “opening the gates” became a catalyst for rebuilding trust with families and transforming the school community.

By leading with honesty, inviting families into real conversations about their child’s learning, and creating ongoing opportunities for connection, Principal Pearman and her team are laying the groundwork for long-term academic success.

This aligns with insights from Learning Heroes’ and TNTP's The Engagement Advantage, authored by Dr. Eyal Bergman and Dr. Zenzile Riddick, which highlights the leadership practices, mindsets, and communications strategies of schools that prioritize partnerships with families.

Sara’s approach shows us what’s possible:

• Transparency builds trust
• Trust makes partnership possible
• Partnership drives learning

Read Sara’s essay here: https://medium.com//opening-the-gates-how-trust-with-families-is-strengthening-our-school-d85736477aa6

Tomorrow, Families In Schools will host a free webinar, Family Partnerships Driving Student Success, which will discuss the benefits of effective family engagement, based on Learning Heroes and TNTP's recent study.

This will be the first in our “Family Engagement, Reimagined” series, with FIS staff engaged in conversation with the study's lead and Upwell Learning CEO, Dr. Eyal Bergman.

Don’t miss out on this webinar—register today to learn about implementing family engagement strategies in schools and districts!

📅 Tomorrow, April 22, 2026
🕛 12:00 pm PST
🔗 Register to attend: bit.ly/fe-reimagined-webinar-1