Stories for Educators on Improving School Culture

Welcome to the latest edition of the Stories that Inspired Us newsletter, where we take a look back at some stories that had a strong impact on us and our readers.

Every school building is a complex community, supported by a network of partnerships and shaped by its unique culture. In this edition of Stories that Inspired Us, we’re taking a look at how every member of a school community can work to foster a culture that empowers students, teachers, and leaders.

Co-Teaching is a Partnership Worth Fighting For

By Michelle Gabriel, High School Teacher

“Growing up in the late 1980s there was a famous show called Batman and Robin, also known as the “Dynamic Duo”, which was one of DC Comics’ oldest crime-fighting partnerships. When I think of co-teaching, this duo comes to mind. There are many lessons we can learn and apply to our co-teaching partnerships from Batman and Robin. Co-teaching is not easy by a long shot, because you are working with people from many different cultures and nationalities with different perspectives and pedagogies. The question is, how can we effectively work with others in a co-teaching setting to be successful in and out of the classroom?”

Read Co-Teaching is a Partnership Worth Fighting For here.

5 Tips for Implementing Any New Curriculum Without Burning Out

By Jackie Cope Ed.D.

“If you have not gone through the process of defining essential standards, I highly recommend going through this process. While the process may be a bit time-consuming, it is time-saving in the end because it reaps rewards. Essential Standards are the standards students must achieve. It is unrealistic to believe that teachers can teach all standards in depth with the amount of time given and the unknown factors that arise throughout the school year. However, teachers can teach essential standards in depth and touch other standards with breadth.”

Read 5 Tips for Implementing Any New Curriculum Without Burning Out here.

How to Collaborate with the Education Support Professionals in Your School

“Schools are made up of so much more than classroom teachers and principals. Working behind the scenes, in classrooms, in halls, on the roads, and in cafeterias, education support professionals help make learning possible.

Education support professional (ESP) is an umbrella term to capture many roles, including cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, and security, in addition to paraprofessionals or paraeducators, also called teacher’s aides. Many other school employees can also be considered education support professionals — every school has unique needs and important staff members qualified to meet those needs.”

Read How to Collaborate with the Education Support Professionals in Your School here.

Be the Change You Want to See in an Unhealthy School Culture

By Dana Garth, Elementary School Teacher

“A school culture and climate can be palpable to anyone as soon as they walk into the building. A positive or negative atmosphere can be seen and felt by all. It is how administrators, teachers, staff, and students work together. It is their shared values, beliefs, and behaviors. If you are fortunate enough to be a part of a school environment that is healthy and positive, never take it for granted. It is not by chance. A healthy school culture is created, and it usually begins with those at the top.

Unfortunately, many teachers and staff members enter into an unhealthy school culture. Some choose to leave a school, but a lot cannot relocate due to various reasons. How can you not only survive but thrive in an unhealthy school culture?”

Read Be the Change You Want to See in an Unhealthy School Culture here.