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This school is about every generation that will be stepping into the education world and then into the working world.

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"Our mission is to inspire a lifelong love of learning and nurture each child's natural curiosity." "We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally."

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Defining the Purpose: School Mission Statement Objectives

Before diving into the process of crafting a mission statement, it's crucial to understand the key objectives that should be included in a school's mission statement. These objectives will serve as the foundation upon which you build a compelling and meaningful statement.

A school's mission statement is more than just a few words on a page. It is a powerful declaration of the school's purpose, values, and goals. It is a guiding light that shapes the institution's identity and influences every aspect of its operations.

Key Objectives to Include in Your School Mission Statement

When developing a mission statement, it's important to consider the unique qualities and goals of your school. Key objectives that should be included in a school mission statement may vary, but some common themes include:

1. Providing a quality education that prepares students for the future: A school's primary objective is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to succeed in their academic and professional lives. This objective emphasizes the importance of a rigorous curriculum, qualified teachers, and innovative teaching methods.

2. Fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment: A school should strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and safe. This objective highlights the importance of promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equality among students and staff.

3. Cultivating academic excellence and critical thinking skills: A school should aim to foster a culture of academic excellence, encouraging students to strive for their personal best. This objective emphasizes the importance of challenging students intellectually, promoting curiosity, and developing critical thinking skills.

4. Promoting social and emotional development: Education is not just about academics; it is also about nurturing the holistic development of students. This objective underscores the importance of supporting students' social and emotional well-being, fostering empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.

5. Emphasizing the importance of community and civic engagement: A school should instill in its students a sense of responsibility towards their community and society. This objective highlights the importance of encouraging students to actively participate in community service, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

By incorporating these key objectives into your effective mission statement, you can create a clear and focused message that reflects the values and aspirations of your school. A well-crafted mission statement will not only inspire and guide the school community but also attract like-minded individuals who share the same educational vision.

Crafting an Effective School Mission Statement

Now that you understand the purpose and objectives of an effective mission statement for schools, it's time to dive into the process of crafting one. Crafting an effective mission statement requires thoughtful consideration and a deep understanding of your school's identity and values.

When it comes to crafting a compelling mission statement, there are several steps you can follow to ensure that it captures the essence of your school. Let's take a closer look at each step:

Step 1: Define your school's unique qualities and strengths

Every school has its own unique qualities and strengths that set it apart from others. Take the time to identify what makes your school special. Is it a strong focus on STEM education ? A commitment to fostering creativity and innovation? By understanding and articulating these qualities, you can start to shape your mission statement.

Step 2: Identify your school's core values and beliefs

Core values and beliefs are the guiding principles that drive your school's actions and decisions. Reflect on what your school stands for and what it believes in. Is it a dedication to inclusivity and diversity? A commitment to academic excellence? These core values and beliefs should be at the heart of your mission statement.

Step 3: Consider the needs and aspirations of your students, staff, and community

A mission statement should not only reflect the values and qualities of your school but also address the needs and aspirations of those it serves. Consider the desires and goals of your students, staff, and community members. What do they hope to achieve through their association with your school? Incorporating these aspirations into your mission statement will make it more meaningful and relevant.

Step 4: Articulate your school's vision for the future

A mission statement should not only capture the present state of your school but also provide a glimpse into its future. Think about where you envision your school heading in the years to come. What are your aspirations and goals for growth and improvement? By articulating your school's vision, you can inspire others and create a sense of purpose.

Step 5: Draft a mission statement that incorporates your findings

With a clear understanding of your school's unique qualities, core values, community needs, and future vision, it's time to put pen to paper. Start drafting your mission statement, ensuring that it incorporates all the elements you have identified. Be concise, yet comprehensive, in your wording.

Step 6: Solicit feedback from stakeholders and make revisions as necessary

Once you have a draft of your mission statement, it's important to gather feedback from various stakeholders. This includes students, parents, teachers, and community members. Their input will provide valuable insights and perspectives that can help refine your mission statement. Be open to suggestions and willing to make revisions as necessary.

Step 7: Finalize your mission statement and communicate it effectively

After incorporating feedback and making revisions, it's time to finalize your mission statement. Ensure that it accurately reflects your school's identity, values, and aspirations. Once finalized, communicate it effectively to all stakeholders. This includes prominently displaying it on your school's website , sharing it in newsletters, and discussing it during parent and community meetings.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your mission statement accurately reflects the unique qualities and goals of your school. Remember, a well-crafted mission statement can serve as a guiding light, inspiring and uniting all members of your school community towards a common purpose.

Unlocking Creativity: Mission Statement Generators and Templates

Crafting a mission statement from scratch can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are resources available to help spark your creativity and streamline the process. Mission statement generators and templates can provide you with a starting point and help you structure your thoughts.

Tools and Resources to Help You Create a Unique Mission Statement

When searching for mission statement generators and templates, consider the following resources:

Online Mission Statement Generators: These tools provide a guided approach to crafting a mission statement tailored to your school's specific needs.

Sample Mission Statements: Studying examples of well-crafted mission statements can help inspire and inform your own statement.

Mission Statement Templates: Templates offer a framework that can be customized to fit your school's unique characteristics.

By leveraging these tools and resources, you can unlock your creativity and create a mission statement that truly reflects the essence of your school.

Inspiring Examples: Mission Statements for Elementary Schools

Mission statements for elementary schools should reflect the unique needs and educational approach of young students. Here are 10 engaging mission statements for elementary education that can serve as inspiration:

Example 1: "Our mission is to inspire a lifelong love of learning and nurture each child's natural curiosity."

Example 2: "We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally."

Example 3: "Our school community values respect, kindness, and a growth mindset, empowering students to reach their full potential."

Example 4: "We believe in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration to prepare our students for success in an ever-changing world."

Example 5: "Our mission is to ignite a passion for learning, cultivate a strong foundation of knowledge, and foster a sense of responsibility in our students."

Example 6: "We are dedicated to providing a well-rounded education that embraces the whole child, fostering their intellectual, emotional, and physical growth."

Example 7: "Our school community celebrates diversity, promotes empathy, and empowers students to make a positive impact on the world."

Example 8: "We strive to instill a love of learning, a sense of resilience, and a commitment to excellence in each and every student."

Example 9: "Our mission is to cultivate a nurturing and joyful learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired."

Example 10: "We are dedicated to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become compassionate global citizens."

These inspiring mission statements can serve as a starting point for crafting a compelling statement that captures the essence of your elementary school.

Guiding the Transition: Mission Statements for Middle Schools

Middle school is a critical time of transition for students, and a well-crafted mission statement can help guide their educational journey. Here are examples of mission statements that capture the middle school experience:

Example 1: "Our mission is to provide a supportive and challenging learning environment that empowers middle school students to excel academically and personally."

Example 2: "We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging, promoting self-discovery, and preparing students for success in high school and beyond."

Example 3: "Our school community values curiosity, collaboration, and resilience, empowering middle school students to become lifelong learners."

Example 4: "We believe in nurturing the unique talents and abilities of each student, promoting self-confidence and a love of learning."

These mission statements can serve as a guide when crafting your own statement for a middle school, incorporating the unique challenges and opportunities that this transitional stage presents.

Shaping the Future: Mission Statements for High Schools

High school is a formative period in a student's life, where they prepare for higher education and future careers. Here are examples of inspiring mission statements that reflect the goals of high school education:

Example 1: "Our mission is to ignite a passion for lifelong learning, empower students to think critically, and prepare them for a successful future."

Example 2: "We are dedicated to fostering a love of knowledge, promoting academic excellence, and cultivating leadership skills in our high school students."

Example 3: "Our school community values integrity, diversity, and personal growth, equipping students with the skills and values they need to thrive in the 21st century."

Example 4: "We believe in providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world."

These mission statements reflect the goals and aspirations of a high school education, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence, personal growth, and preparing students for future success.

Crafting a compelling mission statement is a powerful way to communicate the values and goals of your school. By defining the purpose, understanding the key objectives, and following a step-by-step guide, you can create a mission statement that inspires and guides your entire school community. Unlock your creativity by using mission statement generators and templates, and find inspiration in the examples provided for elementary, middle, and high schools. Implementing a well-crafted mission statement can have a profound impact on your school's culture and ensure a bright future for your students.

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Crafting Effective Mission Statements for Schools: A Comprehensive Guide

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Having a clear and effective mission statement for schools is essential. Generate your schools' mission statement with the helpful tips in this blog!

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School from early childhood to 12th grade.

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School from early childhood to 12th grade.

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Having a school with all grades is a great way for a child to strive, they will always see other members of the staff and get to know other students in other grades. The best for social interactions.

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Essential components to meet the diverse needs of students.

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Essential components to meet the diverse needs of students.

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Differentiated education recognizes students' differences and emphasizes variety as a valuable part of the learning process. This may be done by tailoring tactics to individual students' skills, needs, backgrounds, skill levels, talents, and learning styles.

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Strategies:
1. Scaffolded Activities
2. Making Space for Student Choice
3. Use of Technology to Support Differentiation
4. Universal Design for Learning

Differentiated instruction honors differences between students and highlights diversity as a positive aspect of the learning process. This can be accomplished by adapting strategies to fit individual student abilities, needs, backgrounds, skill levels, talents and learning profiles.

To effectively differentiate instruction, educators must be intentional about the following:

Learn about your students, their particular needs and preferences, and how to individualize learning for them.

Plan content and instruction with those differences in mind, rather than adapting after planning.

Tailor both teaching strategies and student tasks to create an inclusive learning experience for all students in the classroom.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of making assumptions about some groups of students when differentiating instruction. This might look like lowering expectations for multilingual learners or for students who receive special education services. To prevent biased assumptions, teachers can use grading rubrics, provide students with multiple options to show their understanding of a topic and allow students opportunities to reflect on their learning.

This section offers strategies for differentiating content, student products, and the teaching and learning process while remaining responsive and equity focused.

Scaffolded Activities

Scaffolded activities allow all students to engage with the same material but with different levels of support. Scaffolding ensures that teachers are not unintentionally lowering expectations for some students.

Depending on students' background knowledge or reading skills, scaffolding may look like:

Providing multiple ways to engage with materials (e.g., printed text, audio readings).

Developing multiple vocabulary lists.

Asking a variety of higher-order questions.

Preparing different student tasks for learning outcomes.

A common question teachers have about scaffolding is how to support multilingual learners. We recommend using Colorín Colorado, a bilingual website for teachers and families of multilingual learners. They have practical guides for teaching multilingual learners, including "Content Instruction for ELLs." Many Learning for Justice lessons also include scaffolding ideas for supporting multilingual learners as well as extension activities.

Making Space for Student Choice

Being a social justice educator means planning for what Geneva Gay, a leading scholar of culturally responsive teaching, calls "multidimensional" teaching: using multiple approaches and perspectives to facilitate learning. This includes intentionally planning for different forms of student engagement and options for students to reach and demonstrate mastery. As outlined in "A Practical Guide to Planning for Intentional Differentiation" from Edutopia, providing students with choices honors students' diverse ways of thinking and learning.

Teachers can also provide students with options for larger assessments, such as an end-of-unit performance task. For example, C3 Teachers offers a high school Inquiry Design Model that outlines how students can demonstrate their answer to the unit's big question, "Does it matter who ended slavery?" through an essay, a poster or a detailed outline.

To see student choice in action, the case study "Balancing Student Choice and Needs with Playlists" from The Learning Accelerator serves as an effective example as it provides instruction on how to use a playlist for student choices.

Use of Technology to Support Differentiation

From interactive whiteboards to tablets that read text aloud, technology can be an effective tool for differentiating instruction. Technology can also be helpful in providing students with synchronous and asynchronous options for learning. And technology can expand options for student communication, engagement and choice.

However, access to technology may not be equal across the district, the school or within the classroom. Providing technological support can help make a classroom more equitable, but expecting that all students have the same skills or access to the same technology can actually reinforce inequity. Carefully consider what technology is available to all students and provide choices for student tasks that allow all students to participate.

Universal Design for Learning

By applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a research-based framework, educators can support all of their students by designing curricula and instructional practices through an equity lens. UDL asks teachers to provide students with multiple options for engagement, representation, action and expression to meet their learning goals. As noted in the LFJ article " Disability Is Diversity," focusing on changing the learning environment, instead of the learner, opens up thinking about accessible learning practices that can benefit all students.

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Supporting All Learners Through Differentiation

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Differentiated instruction honors differences between students and highlights diversity as a positive aspect of the learning process.

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There is a widespread belief that incorporating technology into the classroom might be expensive for school districts, yet children do not always need their own tablets or laptops to flourish with technology. The use of technology into whole-class instruction can boost student engagement for auditory and visual learners. Integrating basic technologies such as Power Points, games, internet homework assignments, and online grading systems can significantly improve students' academic achievement.

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Drexel University School of Education
Technology provides instant accessibility to information, which is why its presence in the classroom is so vital. Smart phones, computers, and tablets are already an omnipresent element of everyday life for students and teachers alike. It's only natural that the use of technological devices in the classroom are explored to create meaningful learning experiences for students of all ages.

Utilizing different types of technology in the classroom, including a virtual classroom, creates learners who are actively engaged with learning objectives. The implementation of technology also creates pathways for differentiated instruction to meet the unique needs of students as individual learners within a broader classroom climate.

What Does Technology Integration Mean in Education?

Integration of technology in education simply refers to the use of technology to enhance the student learning experience. Utilizing different types of technology in the classroom, including a virtual classroom, creates learners who are actively engaged with learning objectives. The implementation of technology also creates pathways for differentiated instruction to meet the unique needs of students as individual learners within a broader classroom climate.

How to Integrate Technology in the Classroom

There is a common misconception that the integration of technology in the classroom can be a financial burden for school districts, but students do not necessarily need their own tablets or laptops to succeed with technology. The use of technology during whole-class instruction can foster student engagement for auditory and visual learners. Integrating simple technologies Power Points, games, internet homework assignments, or online grading systems can be difference makers in students' growth in the classroom.

Power Points and Games

Powerpoint presentations can be used to introduce a classroom concept while providing the opportunity for engagement. Along with the use of graphics and bulleted information, links to videos that accompany the ideas presented in the Powerpoint can be embedded within the slides.

Educational apps in the classroom like Kahoot can be used to review information after a lesson or unit. Teachers can create and share Kahoots with one another while students can create anonymous user names to participate in the game. This allows for whole-class participation from students who may usually be reluctant to participate in class. Kahoot is accessible to play on phones or computers and teachers can determine if they want students to work independently or be assigned to teams.

Internet Homework Assignments

Posting homework assignments online (via learning platforms like Blackboard, Brightspace, and Moodle) is one way many teachers can begin to integrate technology in the classroom. Assignments are easily accessible, which can increase student engagement and help students become more organized.

Online grading Systems

Communication is a key element in education that helps teachers, administrators, parents, and students recognize a student's strengths and areas for improvement. Online grading systems such as PowerSchool open and facilitate lines of communication where teachers can post grades, analyze student attendance patterns, and manage transcript data.

Classroom Tablets

For classrooms that are fortunate enough to have tablets for students, technology can allow teachers to implement differentiation throughout instruction. Students can work at their own pace during assignments and teachers have the opportunity for one-on-one instruction.

Listserv

Software such as Listserv allows parents to manage and organize their emails. Parents can receive updates from teachers about important announcements, newsletters, and discussions that keep frequent lines of communication open.

Strategies of Implementation for Age Groups

The benefits of technology can enhance any contemporary classroom. However, the way technology is implemented and used in classrooms of various grade levels and content areas will differ.

Ways to Incorporate Technology in the Elementary Classroom

For younger students, technology can be used to build fundamental skills to prepare them for future independent learning. Students can use interactive games to reinforce math, spelling, phonetic, and reading skills. Sites like Spelling Training permit students or teachers to upload their own word lists to practice word pronunciation and create interactive games. Parents can also use these sites to exercise fundamental skills beyond the walls of the classroom.

Using Technology in the Middle School Classroom

As students begin to take steps to transform into independent thinkers, they can use technology to develop basic life skills. Students at the middle school level will gain independence by having different teachers for each subject. Using technology to acquire skills such as conducting research can be applied to any content area. Websites like Easy Bib guide students to find credible sources through a variety of search engines and teach students to correctly cite those sources to avoid plagiarism.

Technology in High School Classrooms

Once students reach their secondary education, they can discover ways to use technology that can be beneficial for college and career development. Familiarization with Microsoft Office and Google Drive teach students to make spreadsheets, slide show presentations, and share documents where they can receive fluid feedback on their work. Many careers use these elements of Microsoft and Google to organize information and collaborate between colleagues or clients.

Why is it Important to Integrate Technology in the Classroom

Teachers often find success when they present the opportunity to use technology in the classroom. There are various benefits and effects when technology is used for educational instruction and some may argue that not all of the effects are positive. Having an infinite flow of information and entertainment available at any given time could be seen as a distraction, but if technology is integrated into the classroom with routines in place that are monitored or assessed, the pros of using technology in the classroom outweigh the cons.

Keeping students engaged

Active engagement is a key part of any lesson plan. Whether students are working independently or collaboratively, technology engages students because it is interactive.

Helps students with different learning styles

Not all students learn and retain information in the same way or at the same speed. Technology is an opportunity for teachers to differentiate instruction to modify information for the appropriate learning capabilities of their students. The use of technology can also allow students to work at their own paces.

Prepare students with life skills

Technology has become its own form of literacy because of how often it is used in everyday life. Many careers use at least one aspect of Microsoft Office or Google Drive on a daily basis: balancing budgets on spreadsheets, creating decks or slide shows to be presented, or attaching documents to emails to communicate important information. Allowing students to learn and refine these skills prepares them for life beyond the classroom.

For additional information about programs or certifications associated with technology in the classroom, visit Drexel University's School of Education Instructional Technology Specialist Certification program.

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How to Integrate Technology in the Classroom - School of Education

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Check out our list of tips for the best ways on how to use technology in the classroom. Learn the benefits & effects of technology with Drexel University.

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Considering each student's household is unique, we refer to the adult(s) in charge of the student's care as caregivers or families. Caregivers and families relate to the larger support network that surrounds students, which includes parental partners, stepparents, extended family members, foster parents, coaches, mentors, teachers, and community leaders.

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Critical Practices
* Recognizing Caregivers as Funds of Knowledge
* Home-to-School Connections
* Inclusion of Community Wisdom
* Engagement With Community Interests and Concerns

The Learning for Justice article " Community Organizing Uplifts Immigrant Students " reminds us that engaging caregivers and community members "is critical to student success and a building block for wider civic participation for both children and adults." Collaborating with families and communities provides educators with opportunities for reciprocal sharing that can benefit students, educators, schools and communities. When we center children and their needs, we recognize that school is only one aspect of a child's life and experiences. Educators are not alone in the work of social justice education, and families and community members can be strong advocates and teachers as well.

Because all students' households are different, we use the terms caregivers and families interchangeably to define the adult(s) responsible for the care of the student. Using the language of caregivers and families references the larger support system around students, including parental partners, stepparents, extended family members, foster parents, coaches, mentors, teachers and community leaders.

Educators can model inclusivity in their language by ensuring all materials addressing families and caregivers are inclusive. For example, instead of sending home a note that opens with the phrase "Dear parents," use a more general greeting like "Dear families." Instead of asking for "mother's name" and "father's name" on a form, have a space for "names of caregivers/family members."

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Educators are not alone in the work of social justice education, and families and community members can be strong advocates and teachers as well.

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The impact we will have with our school.

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The impact we will have with our school.

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We are building solid relationships and a culture of trust. This starts with the adults. We implement rigorous and relevant classroom instruction and wholeheartedly support the whole child.

Creating future-focused schools. Cultivating equitable classrooms. Personalizing learning using data. Encouraging empathy. Fostering a growth mindset.

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As a teacher or education leader, you may need some guidance when taking a deep look at teaching and learning practices in your school or district to ultimately bring about change. That's where events like the annual Model Schools Conference (MSC) comes in.

As the MSC Program Chair, it's my honor to work with our presenters, Model Schools, and Innovative Districts as well as attendees to produce a truly unique professional learning experience. This year's theme, Act for Impact, reflects a focus on each teacher, leader, school, and district, creating a unique rapid-improvement, future-focused plan. This should encompass not only academics but also the social and emotional needs of students.

The International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) believes in the Educator's Bill of Rights. Acting for Impact means that you pick the one thing that you choose to do better tomorrow. Maybe today you didn't get to it or didn't think of it. The point is, you choose it, because each day you aspire and work to do a little better for your students than you did the day before.

Each year, my team and I interview hundreds of educators from across the country to identify the new class of Model Schools and Innovative Districts. Although each submission is unique, they share a crystal-clear focus on doing what's best for their students. That focus and the resulting efforts pay off. The teams, who are making small changes for big impacts, will share the ups and downs of their experiences, help generate new ideas, and inspire you to plan your own path forward.

Listening to these teachers and leaders tell their stories-why they wake up in the morning determined to make an impact on students' lives-is exhilarating. How have they made a difference? Overcome obstacles? Faced challenges? Achieved rapid improvement?

Here's a taste of what we've gleaned and of what you will learn about more deeply when you attend this year's Model Schools Conference in Washington, D.C.

1. Build strong relationships and a culture of trust.

This starts with the adults. Leaders and teachers who strive to know each other in a deeper way build relationships. They build trust by demonstrating that they'll do the right thing for students-even when no one is looking-and that they have each other's backs in prioritizing student achievement.

2. Implement rigorous and relevant classroom instruction.

What is the real value of learning? Being successful in life-and most importantly, in life beyond school. If real-world success is the true goal, then teachers must plan instruction that builds students' capacity to address real-world situations. Learning must challenge students to think critically rather than memorize and recall isolated facts. Educators from the 2019 Model Schools and Innovative Districts are taking a close look at the rigor and relevance of their standards. They're investing time into planning intentional, meaningful learning experiences that are student centered, interdisciplinary, and application based.

3. Support the whole child with heart.

While many elements of a child's life get better as they cultivate social-emotional skills, one big win is academic performance. Teachers at rapidly improving schools cultivate the social and emotional development of their students daily. These teachers sensitize themselves at an emotional level to their students' needs. They work to provide students with the skills and strategies that will help them develop self-awareness, empathy, perseverance, and gratitude. These and other social-emotional competencies are strengthened each day through teachable moments, intentional lessons, modeling, and family engagement. The teachers in these Model Schools will tell you that love = action + heart and to love your students so that they may succeed.

4. Create future-focused schools.

Schools focused on the future are innovating how they think about education. Rather than protecting the status quo, leaders and teachers in future-focused schools are constantly considering what's best for children to reach their life goals. These schools use data to assess all students' achievement, eliminate initiatives that don't work, replace them with innovative solutions for a strong chance to work better, and use data to assess the new plan's progress. These leaders and teachers are driven by strong passion for making a positive impact in the lives of each one of their students. Their passion gives them the courage they need to be honest critics of their own work, think creatively, and make changes.

5. Cultivate equitable classrooms.

Equity is about providing additional supports and resources for underserved populations of students. Creating a classroom focused on equity and excellence for all requires that teachers and leaders closely examine the demographics, performance, attendance, and participation in their classrooms. The 2019 Model Schools and Innovative Districts find ways to uncover unconscious biases and build common understandings. They focus on having open and courageous conversations among varied stakeholders on the well-being and success of all their children. Honest conversation with empathetic listening is a first step in creating open, inclusive learning environments that support the success of all students.

6. Personalize learning using data.

Data that is personalized to the student is very granular. Developing a system and routines for gathering, monitoring, and analyzing does take time and experimentation. However, when implemented with fidelity, the gains can be tremendous. Model Schools and Innovative Districts find that such data clarifies each student's progress and needs and positively informs teachers' instructional decisions. For instance, school leaders who have a pulse on each student's grades-and whether those grades are moving up or down or remaining constant-can help teachers take actions that support each student's progress. When data is personal, students feel known and cared about. They also recognize the goal of and the personal-to-them context for next instructional steps. Get to know your data at the individual student level.

7. Encourage empathy.

Empathy-not to be mistaken for pity or permissiveness-is the ability to sense other people's emotions coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling. Encouraging empathy may be difficult to accomplish, so is it worth it? In the experience of the 2019 Model Schools and Innovative Districts, growing empathy-among members of classrooms, teams, and school communities-makes a huge difference in the lives and the academic achievement of all their students. Growing empathy takes modeling as well as intentionally building all stakeholders' capacity for empathy and motivating them to practice and choose it. When a student is late to class, what might be an empathetic response? When a child gets sent to the principal's office, what might empathy from adults and fellow students look like? How are these situations handled in your school? How do you model empathy for others? How can you encourage and increase empathy?

8. Foster a growth mindset.

Making the shift from "I can't do that" to "I can't do that yet" is step one in developing a growth mindset. Growth mindset is strongest when a person plans to make a change, sets a timetable, and takes specific actions toward accomplishing a goal. Our Model Schools and Innovative Districts all base their work on a growth mindset about student capabilities. They commit to believing in children's ability to grow and work daily to support all of their students with whatever they need to accomplish today what they were not yet able to do yesterday. The benefit of a growth mindset is clear for all of us, by the way; ICLE bases its work on a growth mindset about teachers, educational leaders, and our own team.

9. Spread kindness.

This is simple if not always easy. Being kind isn't only what you expect from elementary students. The 2019 Model Schools and Innovative Districts are consistently intentional about stakeholders and students at every level being kind to one another. Classrooms in one Model School began with a goal of five acts of kindness per week and then progressed to a goal of five acts of kindness per day.

10. Make a difference in the lives of ALL children.

All of the 2019 Model Schools and Innovative Districts share a top-priority focus on students, their needs, and aspirations. The work of helping children succeed in their lives is a personal, professional, and collective passion, and aiming to make a difference in the lives of all students is the most profoundly meaningful work one can do. This focus on students' success will propel your success.

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Pull your school or district team together and equip yourselves to Act for Impact by registering for the 27th Annual Model Schools Conference on June 23- 26 in Washington, D.C., where you will join more than 5,000 educators in 100+ sessions.

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How to Act for Impact in Your School or District: 10 Ways to Inspire Change

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As a teacher or education leader, you may need some guidance when taking a deep look at teaching and learning practices in your school or district to ultimately bring about change. That's where events like the annual Model Schools Conference (MSC) comes in.

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This was a great project because there are many things to change in the education world. Only the ones who care for it will change it. There's always miscommunication, but with patience, things can improve for the next generation of children.