Research shows that when dads/dad-figures (resident and non-resident alike) are more involved in the school community beyond just attending sporting events – volunteering, attending class, grade and whole school events, showing up for conferences and getting involved in the parent association – children have been shown to get better grades, go further with their education and actually enjoy school more. Yet, most schools and parent organizations today do little to engage and educate dads beyond sporadically hosting events like the annual “dads and donuts day.” Using examples from different school settings, John helps educators and parents think systemically and programmatically about how to best engage their community of dads/dad-figures:
- Outlines key steps and strategies for consistently and meaningfully engaging dads in the parent organization and at a classroom and whole-school level.
- Addresses common hot-button issues such as, “What about students without fathers in their lives?” or “Shouldn’t we be focused on all parents, not just dads?” or “Dads are too busy...”
- Provides a practical guide for starting or enhancing a dad’s group/network/committee in any school setting.
- Gives examples of successful schools and what they did to increase dad-involvement.
- Highlights the latest research on how dad’s impact on cognitive growth, social-emotional development and academic achievement. For schools with high father involvement, this consultation will serve to enhance your program. For schools with little or sporadic father involvement, it will serve as a critical starting point.
FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - With a cutting-edge analysis of contemporary masculinity and modern fatherhood, John offers educators insight into why dads do and don’t get more involved in schools...and what educators can do about it.
PARENT-SCHOOL SMALL GROUP CONSULTATION - Prior to his visit, John asks the school to assemble a small group of administrators, faculty, parent association members, and dads who have a stake and interest in increasing dad involvement. He works with this group before his visit and follows up on their action plan after leaving.
TRAINING & CONSULTATION FOR ORGANIZATIONS - John works with non-profit, private and governmental organizations in a variety of capacities. He often consults on how to increase and sustain dad-involvement or on creating balance in the workplace. His training for practitioners gives a framework for understanding complex father-child dynamics, and practical tools for working with dads and families.
NEW WORKSHOP: USING THE WISDOM OF EDUCATORS WHO ARE ALSO PARENTS - This workshop equips educators who are also parents with information, practical tools and an outlet to share collective wisdom about how to improve parent-teacher, parentchild and parent-school relationships.