Family & Community Engaged Teaching (FACET)
Mission
The goal of FACET is to develop critically conscious family and community engaged educators who, in partnership, foster the potential and well-being of all children and youth in the context of their lives.
We work to...
- Prepare future teachers to transform schools into justice producing institutions using a critical lens, systems-focus, and transdisciplinary emphasis that places children/youth, families and communities at the heart of educational practice.
- Collaborate with communities to create the conditions for students and faculty to see teacher education as a place to understand and apply issues related to transforming schools.
- Use processes that cultivate educational success through authentic relationships focused on engaging with students, community, families, and school professionals.
FACET Courses
There are four FACET courses designed for pre-major WWU students. The courses explore the teaching profession through a systems and inter-professional practice lens, equipping future teachers with knowledge and skills to effect systems change in schools and communities.
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ESJ 497: Education, Culture, and Equity for Family and Community Engaged Teaching
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ESJ 400: RAC - FACET Reading and Research Team

Community Partners
Shuksan Middle School (Fall 2018)
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Classroom – EDUC 204 was held on Shuksan’s campus.
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Design – faculty and staff from Western and Shuksan collaborated to design a course that addressed the practical needs of all parties.
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Faculty – Western faculty came from both Education and Social Justice backgrounds. They were immersed in the work along side students.
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BEATS – Before and after school program. FACET added 1,000 hours of service learning time and serves roughly 300 students.
Alderwood Elementary (Fall 2017)
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After School Clubs – pre-service students worked in a variety of voluntary after school clubs supporting youth and creating ‘counterspaces.’
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Faculty – course co- taught by human services/ community psychology faculty and early childhood/ elementary education faculty.
Christina Van Wingerden, Ph.D. Candidate

she/her/hers
(360) 650-4655, 360-319-7862 | Miller Hall 318A