This policy brief from the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE) examines gaps in how educator preparation equips teachers to work with families and communities. Although family and community engagement is closely linked to student success, many educators enter the profession without sufficient preparation for this aspect of their work. Drawing on NAFSCE’s research, the brief finds that only 30% of U.S. states and territories explicitly address teacher preparation across all four foundational elements of effective family engagement, while fewer than 40% address the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with families. It also finds that only half of departments of education offer a standalone course on family engagement. The brief identifies ten areas in which states can strengthen policy and preparation and offers practical steps for policymakers, education leaders, and advocates seeking to better prepare educators to partner with families and communities.