Revisiting Teacher-Family Partnerships: A Critical Policy Analysis of Pacific Education Policy 2009–2030

Strong teacher-family partnerships are vital for children’s educational success. Educational policies influence how teachers perceive and engage in these significant relationships. Critical policy analysis focuses on the language, and underlying meanings and beliefs that reify certain understandings and positions in policy. We trace changes in positioning teacher-family relationships in three versions of policy, illustrating the prioritisation of dominant non-Pacific cultures over Pacific languages, cultures, and identities. We propose embracing Samoan concepts like va tapuia (sacred relationships) and teu le va (looking after relationships) as ethical imperatives for teachers to value and nurture respectful relationships with Pacific peoples. We recommend an open-minded approach, including strengths-based visits to Pacific children’s family homes. Drawing from successful projects in Aotearoa New Zealand, we urge policymakers and educational leaders to ensure teachers have the time and resources for the dialogue and reflective activities before and following visits that are needed to transform practice.