Creating a Positive School Culture

"This book is outstanding. It addresses a definite need in schools today and will be very effective in helping people understand some of the school climate-related issues. If educators understand problems and their causes and have potential methods for solving them, only good can come from it." —Charles F. Adamchick, Jr., Teacher, Blairsville High School, PA Educational Consultant, Learning Sciences International "This book is a great resource for those interested in creating an enriching and inspiring school environment. At a time when so many of our schools are in crisis, it is so refreshing to read a book that demonstrates how teachers and administrators can turn a school into a safe and caring community. Beaudoin and Taylor consolidate the expertise of teachers and administrators who know how to realistically build nurturing, constructive, and positive relationships." —Gerald Monk, Professor, Department of Counseling and School Psychology San Diego State University Create and cultivate a supportive, respectful, and positive school climate! Principals and teachers have very different perspectives, pressures, and struggles. As a result, problems of negativity, isolation, or censure often develop among staff members. This may cause principals and teachers to spend a tremendous amount of energy addressing these issues instead of focusing on their primary goal—improved student achievement. Creating a Positive School Culture provides strategies for understanding and solving staff problems, preventing conflicts, and enriching school climates. By combining therapeutic knowledge with day-to-day educational experience, the authors offer innovative solutions for overcoming many energy- and morale-sapping problems, including gossip, cliques, negativity, and competition. To help engage and inspire readers, this volume includes: Teacher and principal interview excerpts Concise case examples of school culture problems Step-by-step guidance for school culture interventions Best practices culled from the authors′ extensive research Ready-to-use tools, including school culture surveys and staff development exercises Based on more than 200 surveys and interviews with principals and teachers, this practical guidebook clearly explains how administrators, teachers, parents, and staff can all work together to solve problems and build a culture of caring and respect.