A school is a building where "Good" things happen

The concept of "culture" resonates deeply across Fortune 500 companies and sports teams alike. As a Certified Performance Coach specializing in personal and character development, I've taken on the challenge of bringing this transformative idea of culture to public school systems nationwide.

In my experience, a robust culture not only withstands challenges but thrives by exerting its influence. Culture, as defined by Merriam-Webster, encompasses shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that define an institution. It manifests through five powerful elements: it is learned, shared, dynamic, systemic, and symbolic.

Imagine the impact on schools if we fostered such an environment. Student engagement and performance would soar, while teachers and staff would achieve greater work-life balance and fulfillment. Parental involvement would strengthen through a unified understanding of community expectations.

This endeavor may seem daunting, but my approach is rooted in efficiency and efficacy. Rather than tackling isolated issues, I advocate for comprehensive personal development where students take responsibility and ownership. This program addresses barriers to personal growth and promotes collaborative efforts among parents and school staff to forge a proud and resilient school culture. Committing to this process promises dividends for students, parents, faculty, and staff both now and in the future.

How will we build culture at your school?

We begin with a fundamental question for all stakeholders: What do we envision for our school? From there, we define what success looks like and chart a clear roadmap to achieve our goals. In my expertise, our journey toward the desired culture must encompass five essential elements:

1. Learning our culture: Understanding and internalizing the core values and beliefs that define our school.
2. Sharing our culture: Communicating these values consistently and inclusively across all levels of our community.
3. Making our culture dynamic: Embracing adaptability and growth to meet evolving challenges and opportunities.
4. Ensuring its systemic nature: Embedding these values into every aspect of school operations and interactions.
5. Making it a symbol of our school: Cultivating a culture that not only reflects our aspirations but also becomes a source of pride and identity for everyone involved.

Together, we can build a school culture that inspires excellence, resilience, and community spirit. Let's embark on this journey to create a school environment we are all proud to champion every day.