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.

EDUC 101: Rethinking Schools in Community
EDUC 204: Systems for School and Community Renewal
ESJ 497: Education, Culture, and Equity for Family and Community Engaged Teaching
ESJ 400: RAC - FACET Reading and Research Team

Community Partners

Shuksan Middle School (Fall 2018)

Classroom – EDUC 204 was held on Shuksan’s campus.
Design – faculty and staff from Western and Shuksan collaborated to design a course that addressed the practical needs of all parties.
Faculty – Western faculty came from both Education and Social Justice backgrounds. They were immersed in the work along side students.
BEATS – Before and after school program. FACET added 1,000 hours of service learning time and serves roughly 300 students.

Alderwood Elementary (Fall 2017)

After School Clubs – pre-service students worked in a variety of voluntary after school clubs supporting youth and creating ‘counterspaces.’
Faculty – course co- taught by human services/ community psychology faculty and early childhood/ elementary education faculty.

Jackie Sennett, Ph.D.