by Ernesto Mejía | Jun 17, 2026 | Family Engagement, Parents, Professional Development, Programming
Because collecting data means nothing if families never see change. Schools everywhere are asking an important question: How do we improve family engagement? The good news is that many schools are trying. Surveys are sent. QR codes are shared. Feedback forms are...
by TaLisa Ramos | May 21, 2026 | College, Professional Development, Programming, Social Emotional Learning, Student Leadership
Every speaker has a story. The best ones have a story that changes how they show up for others. As part of the CoolSpeak family, our newest speakers bring powerful lived experiences, fresh perspectives, and meaningful ways to connect with students, educators, and...
by Ernesto Mejía | Apr 17, 2026 | Career, Professional Development
Introduction: What Students Really Mean When They Say “Be Real” “Yo… I appreciate you for being real.” That’s one of the best compliments I can get after speaking. Not because it’s flashy, but because it tells me the message actually connected. I’ve spoken in a lot of...
by Ernesto Mejía | Apr 13, 2026 | Family Engagement, Parents, Professional Development
Why “More Events” Isn’t Fixing Family Engagement What if the problem with Family Engagement isn’t effort but alignment? Schools are hosting more events than ever. Calendars are full. Emails are sent. Flyers are printed. And yet… participation still feels inconsistent,...
by Carlos Ojeda Jr. | Mar 2, 2026 | Classroom, Professional Development, Programming, Programs, Student Engagement, Students, Summer
At CoolSpeak, we’ve learned something important after working with hundreds of schools, districts, and community partners: Not all summer camps are created equal. Some camps keep students busy. Others change the direction of a young person’s life. CoolSpeak CEO,...
by Ernesto Mejía | Feb 26, 2026 | Family Engagement, Parents, Professional Development, Programming, Student Engagement
At CoolSpeak, we believe strong schools are built through strong relationships, and that starts with how we partner with families. In this CoolBlog, Family Engagement Expert Ernesto Mejía breaks down one of the most important distinctions schools can make: the...
