2

Overview
Parent leader Gwen E. Samuel, Founder of Connecticut Parents Union launches the Parent led workshop series The Urban
Experience in Family And Community Engagement (FACE) Transitioning Teachers into Diverse Communities and Classrooms.

The Urban Experience in Family And Community Engagement Workshop series provides educators, administrators, and lead
school support staff with solution-oriented strategies critically needed to build sustainable relationships with parents, families,
and communities who are marginalized in the educational system.

The outcomes will lead to effective partnerships that nurture both teacher and student success in the classroom. Urban
Experience in FACE is based on strengthening interpersonal communication and trust-building strategies that are rooted in
real life experiences that occur in classrooms throughout the school year.

The Urban Experiences in FACE are presented from the parent perspective through intentional demonstrations, hands-on
activities, and short interactive presentations which may include interactions with parents, students, and community
members.

The Experiences will provide effective strategies to help educators access, analyze and synthesize information about their
students home, school, and community to create and enhance opportunities for improved student achievement.

The following Modules can be offered as school-based teacher professional development, student-teacher practicums, or as
part of a school improvement plan with education decision makers and school boards.

The modules can be combined or conducted as stand-alone workshops tailored to a specific audience.
3
4
 5

Testimonials/Quotes:
I have worked with Gwen Samuel in both educational and advocacy environments. If you are serious about transforming the education landscape for
teachers, students and parents, this workshop series is a must have. Dr. Sonia BasSheva Manjon, Associate Professor, The Ohio State University

Parent leader Gwen Samuel knows improving education is about much more than just engaging parents. It is about building collective POWER to
ensure every child has access to great educational opportunities. Gwen's work is a testament to the flame that burns inside of so many parents as
they seek the best education possible for their children. Dr. Howard Fuller, Professor of Educational Policy, and Leadership, Marquette University

I have not met anyone more passionate about engaging parents and the community in the education of our children. Gwen lives and breathes the African
proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child", through her advocacy and workshops. Gwen understands the importance of parents working closely with their child's
teacher to ensure the educational success of both the teacher and the child. Mona Davids, President, New York City Parents Union

In my professional development as a teacher, I learn academics and pedagogy. Ms. Samuels Urban Experience in Family and Community Engagement workshops
brings the humanity to the world of education. Rebecca, Nashville Tennessee Teacher

When I wrote the nation's first Parent Empowerment Act in California, I firmly believed that parents should be the architects of their own children's educational
futures. When I met Gwen Samuel, I saw she personifies the very essence of the meaning of parent empowerment itself. Her voice is a voice for us all and I am
honored to work alongside her. California Senator Gloria Romero (Ret), Author of Parent Empowerment Act of 2010

For years now, Gwen Samuel has been a parent activist extraordinaire. Her goal is to improve educational outcomes for all children, unflinching in her passion.
Larry Sand, President, California Teachers Empowerment Network

Ms. Samuel is a very inspirational leader. She is unique in her approach when addressing education. She includes everybody in the discussions with youth, parents,
and community. I am grateful to have been a part of various workshops in the past under her leadership with Teach Our Children &
Youth Unleashed in New Haven. Amirah Muhammad, former Youth Unleashed member