Cristina Santamaria Graff
Associate Professor of Special EducationDepartment of Urban Teacher Education
Urban Education Studies Program
ude[dot]ui[at]camatnas
Honoring Families’ Knowledge and Knowledge-Making in the Education of their Children Through Family as Faculty Approaches
I have expanded upon a Family as Faculty (FAF) approach by creating three essential understandings that drive both my theoretical framing and methodological approach to working with and alongside families. Rooted in empirical studies FAF demonstrates that when families actively participate in the education of preservice special educators important shifts occur that promote cultural and disability awareness. My work is inter-disciplinary and FAF projects are goal-oriented. These goals are co- created with families of disabled youth with and without disabilities. Families' input and guidance drive inquiry, pedagogy, and overall decision-making.