Abstract
This article examines the importance of preparing future educators for effective partnerships with students’ families, a priority emphasized in contemporary educator standards. Despite evidence that strong educator-parent relationships foster academic and socio-emotional growth, many educators feel ill-equipped to engage with families confidently. Drawing upon the field of school counseling, this paper explores how concepts and pedagogies from counseling— particularly Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)—can inform educator preparation. The article provides an overview of the school counseling profession, reviews the foundational principles of PCT, and discusses how these approaches can be integrated into higher education curricula. By adopting non-directive, relationship-centered strategies rooted in PCT, higher education instructors can better equip future educators to foster meaningful connections with families, ultimately supporting student success.
Recommended Citation
McGinn, James M.
(2025)
"Application of Person-Centered Therapy to Educator Preparation for Relationships with Families,"
Journal of Excellence in College Teaching and Learning: Vol. 21, Article 4.
Available at:
https://encompass.eku.edu/kjectl/vol21/iss1/4
Included in
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons
