As we continue into our exciting summer training season, we’re thrilled to introduce the incredible team leading our REAL Family Engagement training efforts for the upcoming school year. This dedicated group works to ensure that our trainings and products are grounded in research, developed alongside Flamboyan’s cohort of trainers and ambassadors, and are engaging experiences that allow educators, locally in DC and nationally across the country, to explore what it means to foster meaningful family engagement in their roles. Their expertise and passion drive our mission, empowering educators and school leaders to create impactful connections with families so that students most impacted by inequity are prepared to succeed in school and beyond. Get to know the phenomenal individuals making it all happen!
Meet Isabel Huston, Senior Director, Training + Product Design
Isabel “Izzy” Huston oversees Flamboyan’s training program. She designs training sessions on REAL Family Engagement for school partners in addition to managing and developing the parent-teacher trainer cohort that leads each session.
Izzy is committed to working in education because she feels that it is the place where systems are reborn. She believes in an equitable public education system where all students feel loved and affirmed, where the seeds for a greater world are planted.
Prior to joining Flamboyan, Isabel spent a decade in the education space largely focused on developing equity-centered policy and advocacy leaders. Most recently, she served as the Director of Career and Leadership Development at DC Public Schools where she launched the design of a new talent development career ladder.
Outside of Flamboyan, Isabel is an aspiring writer and artist, and published her first poetry collection in 2020. When she’s not at work, writing, or reading, Isabel can be found traveling or playing ice hockey.
What drew you to Flamboyan?
I’ve been following Flamboyan’s work for about a decade, since I met some of the organization’s leadership at a panel while in the Education Pioneers Fellowship. I have always felt that Flamboyan’s focus on relationships and empowering teachers and parents to work together aligns with my personal values. I hoped there would be a way for me to contribute to this work someday.
Why does REAL Family Engagement matter to you?
To me, REAL Family Engagement means empowering families and acknowledging their role as the guardians of their child’s education.
What are your hopes and dreams for our trainings, especially as our trainers and ambassadors prepare for a new school year?
I hope our trainings inspire educators to get to know the families and caretakers who are their partners in educating their students. My dream is that this will lead to classrooms that function as communities where parents and caretakers feel welcome and excited to support their children’s education.
In your role, what are you most excited about in the upcoming training season?
I’m excited for our Trainers and Ambassadors to do their thing! The folks who deliver our trainings are so talented, passionate, and compelling. Supporting them is my favorite part of the job!