Positive School Culture: How do you impact it?

A positive school culture is felt as soon as you walk in the door. The energy permeates through the halls with laughter, engaging, insightful conversations, and an excitement to be there. The positive vibrations permeate across the community like a wave. Infecting the neighborhood with pride. Eager children exit buses, albeit tired from the myriad of after-school opportunities for learning and growth. Teachers are happy to be there and are seeking opportunities for professional development. Collaboratively teachers, students, parents, administration and neighborhood members piece together the "community quilt" that is a school.

I have been fortunate enough to work in various schools with different levels of positiveness. While one was struggling, others were more successful because of the responsiveness, support, and involvement of the administration. The integrity, encouragement and resilience of a schools leaders drives the vision, goals, and determination of a school. A true leader accepts, listens, celebrates, and is open to new and creative ideas. When teachers feel unappreciated, undervalued, and isolated negativity is given an opportunity to rear its ugly head. When teachers feel like they have a voice and the freedom to take-risks, like-minded, outgoing teachers will step forward and bring about change and innovation.

It is one thing to be a member of a positive school culture it is another to be a leader and shape the course of it. Often teachers, as progressive and enlightened as they are, stay in their classrooms. They forge great relationships with their students but often steer clear of other teachers. This may be due to naysayers or negativity. But, to keep the positivity flowing these teachers need to step out of their classrooms, share the great things they are doing, the successes of their students, and spark interest in others. This will ignite curiosity, a growth mindset, and gain support from colleagues and administration.

Every one in a school, students, parents, teachers and administrators have an influence and impact on the school culture. The positive school culture does not maintain itself, we need to actively continue to keep it thriving. Celebrating student successes not only in athletics but in science competitions, music and art, math and writing is key to making the school feel like a community. Every student is a participant even if it is only in the classroom. Celebrate their successes as well by posting their work, giving positive feedback, and allowing time for them to reflect and grow.

A positive school culture like any relationship has its ups and downs. It needs to be rekindled with innovative ideas and it needs to be nurtured through respect and determination. There will be naysayers, set backs, even negative thoughts that stir up trouble. But, with a common vision, unified goals, and supportive staff and administration getting back on track will be easy. Stay focused on what truly matters, students. Not popularity, or jealousy, or envy of fellow colleagues and their accomplishments but on students. When students feel connected, valued and respected they will thrive and this will strengthen and empower the school culture.