Irving ISD: Parent Liaisons: Example Of Heart Work

Press release from Irving Independent School District:

Oct 21, 2020

Dedicated, hardworking and with a high sense of service and collaboration. These are just a few of the traits of an extraordinary group of women working in our district. Their love for Irving ISD students is demonstrated every day. They are the Irving ISD parent liaisons.

These 30 women, led by Erin Yacho and Liesl Payne, parent and family engagement coordinators for Irving ISD, are a real example of being game changers. Although they wear many hats, their duties fall into two main categories: developing and implementing a parent education program, as well as a volunteer parent program.

“I would describe parent liaisons as masters of ‘heart work’,” says Yacho. “Our Parent Liaisons are playing a vital role in engaging our parents in whole new ways in the education of our students, while simultaneously helping so many families meet their basic needs of keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table.”

However, their work is not limited to those two important tasks. They also strongly support all Irving ISD initiatives that impact families, for example: the HIPPY program, (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), the Adult Education and Literacy program (classes that prepare adults for the job market), the implementation of Canvas (the learning management system used by our students), and the promotion of new services provided by Irving ISD, such as free PreK for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Many things have changed for most of us during Covid-19, and the work of parent liaisons is no exception. Several of them also serve as instructional assistants and help school nurses.

Payne adds: “Engaging families during the pandemic is paramount not only to our students’ academic growth, but also their socio-emotional well-being. Our parent liaisons work tirelessly to ensure our parents and caregivers are equipped with the resources they need to maximize their children’s learning, and nurture their security, self-confidence and happiness, as they face the challenges of our current times.”

Behind many of the activities of a school is the work and contribution of parent liaisons. Each and every one of these diligent women do their best every day, so that our students and their families receive the services and support they need.

Our parent liaisons, individually and as a team, make a difference with their hard work and dedication. Their efforts, in synergy with those of teachers, employees and students, make Irving ISD the best district in the nation!

This press release was produced by the Irving Independent School District. The views expressed are the author's own.