Partner School Summit | Learning With and From Immigrant Families

On May 15, 2026, Dr. Kevin Ferreira van Leer delivered a keynote presentation at our Partner School Summit titled “Learning With and From Immigrant Families: An Interactive Session on Cultural Congruence and Justice-Centered Engagement.” Dr. Ferreira van Leer is a community and developmental psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Connecticut. His research examines the social and cultural contexts that promote positive development and liberation for Latine immigrants and their families, with an emphasis on educational contexts. He uses community-engaged research to collaborate directly with immigrant communities and develop research around their concerns. In his talk, Dr. Ferreira van Leer explored how cultural values and experiences shape the ways immigrant families engage with schools and learning. He highlighted the importance of understanding families’ cultural beliefs, trusted community networks, and access to community resources and policies that influence their well-being. He also discussed how educators can serve as cultural brokers, helping immigrant-origin students and families navigate educational systems while recognizing and honoring the knowledge and experiences they bring with them. His keynote invites educators to build stronger, more culturally congruent partnerships with families and create school environments where all students can feel supported, understood, and empowered to thrive.