A critical part of Flamboyan’s work in Washington, DC is our Family Engagement Partnership (FEP), where our expert coaches work with Family Engagement Leadership Teams (FELT) at schools across the district to build sustainable family engagement practices. Coaches come to Flamboyan with years of experience as educators, non-profit staff, and school leaders, but there is one common thread: each of them is committed to ensuring that REAL Family Engagement becomes deeply embedded in school culture and practice.
We’re excited to introduce two of the newest members of our coaching team, joining Josh, Mamie, and Tenea. They are partnering with our newest cohort of FEP schools as well as returning partner schools over the coming year, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to this work.
Meet Bridgette Brown, School Partnership Coach
Driven by a deep belief that every student deserves a high-quality education, Bridgette brings both classroom experience and coaching expertise to her work. She began her career as a 10th-grade Social Studies teacher here in Washington, DC before moving into teacher development with City Teaching Alliance, where she supported educators in honing their practice and fostering inclusive learning environments. Given Bridgette’s background in the secondary space, she will be working with FEP schools serving students in grades 6-12 to help strengthen secondary-specific family engagement strategies that support student success and are grounded in evidence-based practices. This year, KIPP DC Key Academy, MacArthur High School, The Social Justice School, and Thurgood Marshall PCS.
Bridgette is currently a candidate for an Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction at The George Washington University School of Education, building on her knowledge of instructional equity and systemic change.
She is also a proud dog mom who loves to travel and explore new cities. She’s always seeking fresh perspectives and connections that enrich her personal and professional journey.
What drew you to Flamboyan?
I was first introduced to Flamboyan when I received training as a resident teacher through City Teaching Alliance, formerly known as Urban Teachers. As a novice teacher, the training deepened my belief in the importance of building relationships with students and families, and it provided me with tools and strategies to do the important work. From firsthand experience, I know that Flamboyan is committed to supporting schools and ensuring that all students and families have the opportunity to thrive. I am excited to support schools the way Flamboyan supported me
Why does REAL Family Engagement matter to you?
REAL Family Engagement matters because it ensures that families and educators work together to support students. When I was a classroom teacher, I noticed that building strong relationships with my families improved students’ outcomes. In my own experience as a student, I had better school experiences when my family trusted my teachers and worked to advocate for my academic needs. REAL Family Engagement to me means families and students are given access to the tools to thrive and build shared power.
What are your hopes and dreams for the schools you’re coaching this year?
I hope that my schools are able to build trusting relationships with their families by listening and understanding the needs of their communities. From there, my hope that they are able to build effective and sustainable strategies to cultivate a trusting community and shared power with families.
In your role as a coach, what are you most excited about in the coming School Year?
I am excited about getting to know my FELT members and building relationships with them. I am looking forward to learning more about their schools’ contexts and communities to support our work.
Our impact is powered by people. Learn more about our team here.