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"What makes a great school? It's more than just textbooks and test scores—it's the people. Teachers are the heart of every classroom, but too often, they feel undervalued and unsupported. We can change that.

When we focus on building a positive, vibrant school culture, we create an environment where teachers feel empowered, respected, and motivated. They collaborate, innovate, and inspire—reducing burnout and boosting job satisfaction. And that means better outcomes for our students.

Imagine a school where every teacher knows their voice matters, where mentorship and professional growth are the norm, and where great educators stay because they feel they truly belong.

I've seen what happens when support is lacking—great teachers leave. But together, we can rewrite that story. Let’s foster a culture of appreciation, empathy, and shared purpose, ensuring that every teacher thrives—and every student has the chance to shine. Building a future where school culture isn't just an afterthought—it's our priority."

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Uplifting Background Inspirational Music (1min promo) [Royalty Free/Music Licensing]

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TLE 630 Advocacy Project Jamie BoeglinRubric (1)

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Why DEI Matters? The Critical Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Shaping Our Future

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I believe one of the biggest things we need to advocate for is to being open to one another's differences and raising tolerant and inclusive attitudes. How do we accomplish this within our classrooms?

https://www.simplek12.com/professional-development/teaching-tolerance-in-classroom/

https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2020/07/strategies-for-teaching-tolerance-in-your-class/

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Why DEI Matters? The Critical Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Shaping Our Future

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Issue 2: We need to make sure we are helping those who help with the foundation of our school day get the recognition they deserve.

What policies do we need to help get into place?

https://hechingerreport.org/school-support-staffers-stuck-earning-poverty-level-wages/

https://www.epi.org/publication/solving-k-12-staffing-shortages/

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School support staff, also known as Education Support Professionals (ESPs), strengthen our schools, communities, and associations across the country. They play a vital role on the education team and in students' lives inside and outside the classroom. They keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day.

For decades, NEA has championed ESPs, their efforts to gain full inclusion in the Association, and their full recognition as accomplished professionals. Today, more than 2.2 million ESPs work in our nation's public schools and colleges, making up one third of the public education workforce. Of these, approximately a half million are NEA members.
Become a Member

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More than a half million Education Support Professional members take care of our children every day and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in our schools and classrooms.

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AI opens so many doors along with a few extra windows. What are best practices in helping our students be prepared for technology for tomorrow?

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Making each moment count..How should professional development be utilized so its more than just checking a box on any given day?

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https://study.com/blog/5-ways-to-fulfill-teacher-professional-development-requirements.html

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It is important that students and teachers feel valued.. How do we build school culture that offers the support students and faculty need?

https://www.n2y.com/blog/building-school-culture-morale/

https://ronclarkacademy.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY8XkWVBEpc

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A positive school culture plays a significant role in reducing teacher burnout by fostering an environment of support, collaboration, and mutual respect among staff and students. When schools cultivate a positive culture, it leads to improved teacher morale, job satisfaction, and commitment to the profession. Key elements such as strong leadership, clear communication, professional development opportunities, and a sense of community contribute to a more supportive environment where teachers feel valued and empowered.

Studia Psychologica (2021). Predictors of teacher burnout in middle education: School culture and self-efficacy. Studia Psychologica, 63(1), 5–23. https://doi.org/10.31577/sp.2021.01.811

Advocating for a strong, supportive school culture extends beyond academic achievement; it embraces the well-being, mental health, and personal growth of every student. By fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and supports the unique needs of all students, schools can become places where children feel safe, valued, and empowered. Establishing such a culture requires a school-wide commitment to practices and values that promote respect, empathy, and collaboration. This kind of environment not only enhances students' academic success but also nurtures their emotional and social development, equipping them to face challenges with resilience and confidence.

Barker, R., Hartwell, G., Egan, M., & Lock, K. (2023). The importance of school culture in supporting student mental health in secondary schools: Insights from a qualitative study. British Educational Research Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3853

Schools are not just places of learning; they can also be sanctuaries for children and young people from diverse backgrounds. The social and physical environment in which students spend much of their formative years profoundly affects their well-being and mental health. This impact is influenced by the support schools provide around health-related behaviors.

To achieve this, schools must intentionally develop a culture that supports both teachers and students across all areas of school life, ensuring that every member of the school community has the opportunity to thrive.

Lumby, J. (2013). Improving schools: The importance of culture. The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning, 8(1), 19–26.

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I surveyed 25 students on what issues they were most concerned with and the issue that stood out for them was Healthy Relationships.

Question posed: What issue(s )do you feel are the biggest we should be advocating in regards to your learning? (You can select all or just a few it is your opinions)

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Administration and Peer Survey: What should we advocating for in education? 

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Administration and Peer Survey: What should we advocating for in education? 

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Step 1: Know the Issue- Advocating for development and focus for school culture.

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Our district plans to focus on the following:

Cultivate a culture of excellence and belonging through genuine relationships, support, and teamwork.

Promote a student-focused and results-driven environment.

Grow, retain, develop, and recruit employees who inspire human greatness.

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Having taught for 30+ years, I've witnessed many talented educators leave the teaching profession for other careers due to a lack of support or because they felt unsupported. In my current school, only four other teachers have the same level of experience that I do. The majority of teachers here have less than 15 years of experience, with ten being brand new, in the first four years of their careers. This turnover reflects the broader challenges faced across the profession, highlighting the urgent need for a school culture that genuinely supports and retains educators.

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Step 4 Know the Decision Makers and how to contact them.

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Step 4 Know the Decision Makers and how to contact them.

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In our school district, understanding who to reach out to can make all the difference in ensuring our voices are heard and our needs are met. Start with my principal, Mrs. Fish or vice principal, Mr. Bargo for school-specific concerns, or connect with school counselors, Mrs. Bean and Mr. Durham, student well-being and support. Site-based advisors and teachers are essential partners for classroom-related input and curriculum matters. For district-wide issues, reach out to our district superintendent, Dr. Lawson or the assistant middle school superintendent, Mr. Reusch. Each of these individuals plays a key role in making decisions that shape the future of our schools—let’s work together to make our voices count!"

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Invite other teachers who would like to make a cultural change to meet after school. Discuss reasons as to why school culture is important, develop positive goals and share research and experience of programs RCA, KAGAN, Capturing Kids Hearts. and Character Strong.

Approach Key Staff members: Principal, Vice Principal, Site Base

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Make set dates to make set objectives and make them measurable.

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With Peer Survey and Administration School Culture is the most important. With the students it was Mental Health that connected most with what parents and staff were saying that was needed.

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Imagine school culture as a large umbrella that shields and covers everyone within the school community.  Just as an umbrella offers protection from the elements, school culture creates a protective canopy that ensures student's, teachers, and staff are sheltered from the challenges they face.  Under this umbrella, student learning thrives as the environment fosters engagement, motivation, and emotional security.  Mental health is similarly safeguarded, with emotional support systems in place for both students and teachers, helping them weather the storms of stress and anxiety.  Teacher retention is strengthened as this umbrella provides the stability of resources and professional development needed for educators to remain dedicated to their work.  Without this collective cover, much like being caught in an unexpected downpour, learning, well-being and professional satisfaction can easily be compromised.

The impact of school culture on student learning and teacher retention is significant, though exact percentages can vary depending on specific studies or contexts. However, research consistently supports the idea that a positive school culture has a measurable impact on both areas.

School Culture and Student Learning:

Improved Academic Performance: Studies suggest that school culture can account for 20-30% of the variance in student academic performance when controlling for other factors like socio-economic background. A supportive, inclusive, and safe environment helps students engage more effectively in their learning.

Student Engagement: Positive school cultures, where students feel a sense of belonging, respect, and emotional safety, can improve student engagement by up to 40%, leading to better learning outcomes.

School Culture and Teacher Retention:

Teacher Retention Rates: Research shows that teachers are more likely to remain in schools where they feel supported, valued, and part of a collaborative environment. Positive school cultures can reduce teacher turnover by 25-40%, particularly in challenging school environments.

Job Satisfaction: A strong culture can improve teacher satisfaction by around 30-50%, which directly influences retention rates.

School Culture and Mental Health:

Quantifying the exact percentage impact of school culture on mental health is challenging due to the complexity of variables involved, but research suggests that school culture accounts for around 20-30% of the variance in student and teacher mental health outcomes. Here's a breakdown:

1. Students' Mental Health: Positive school culture, including strong social-emotional learning (SEL) programs, peer support, and open communication, can improve students’ mental well-being by up to 30%, according to studies that link these factors to reduced rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents.

2. Teacher Mental Health: For teachers, a supportive work environment with respect, collaboration, and mental health resources can decrease stress and burnout by 25-40%. In schools with strong cultures, teachers report significantly better well-being, higher job satisfaction, and reduced attrition​. ASCD

In summary, the role of school culture as an umbrella is essential for safeguarding the mental health of students and teachers alike. This protective canopy fosters an environment where emotional safety and support are prioritized, leading to significant improvements in mental well-being. Research indicates that positive school cultures can enhance student mental health by as much as 30% and reduce teacher burnout by 25-40%. By integrating social-emotional learning and providing necessary resources, schools can effectively mitigate the challenges faced by both students and educators. Without this crucial support, the risk of emotional distress and disengagement increases, ultimately compromising the educational experience. Therefore, nurturing a positive school culture is not just beneficial—it's vital for creating a thriving learning community.

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What is working? What is not?

Have we identified all stakeholders/key people? Is there more we need to invite to be included?

Is there further research needed?

What do we need to change?

Are there additional sources that we are in need of to be more successful?