Fostering a Positive School Culture: The 5+1 Model for Leaders

I recently shared some insights and strategies for new leaders as they begin to take on their roles in their respective spaces. I firmly believe that while our students do not choose where they go to school, we do choose where we serve. It is our responsibility to ensure that our students, families, and staff members feel valued and have a sense of belonging to the school and community.

I spent three years researching the correlation between school culture, motivation, and the impact on teacher retention. I found that positive relationships, deeply rooted in trust, along with levels of empowerment, autonomy, and recognition, yield a positive culture and higher levels of teacher retention. Additionally, my research on Gen Z and Gen Alpha indicates they desire the same things. Today's youth seek positive culture, relationships, empowerment, autonomy, and recognition.

I call it the 5+1 model: relationships, trust, empowerment, autonomy, recognition, and (+1) communication.

As we embark on a new school year, it is important that our leaders and decision-makers keep these ideologies in mind and at the forefront of their decision-making – what is best for students?

Relationships: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. It’s so true. Ask questions, be genuine, seek to understand, and be personable. Greet people by their names and get to know them outside of school and/or your respective workplace.

Trust: Build trust through consistent actions, reliability, and honesty. Trust is the foundation for effective collaboration and a supportive school culture. A great activity for this is “I wish my teacher knew…” or “I wish my administrator knew…” I encourage you, however, that if you do these activities, you genuinely read and act on what they share. Many of our students (Gen Z/Gen A) are more likely to vocalize things in a written format than an oral format. Get kids writing and communicating. But, be vulnerable yourself – it helps individuals foster high levels of trust.

Empowerment: Empower your staff and students by giving them the tools, resources, and autonomy they need to succeed. Empowered individuals feel more confident and motivated. How are students able to voice their opinions about classroom expectations? How are teachers able to voice their opinions and ideas about the school? When I was a teacher, I would allow students to help me write the syllabus over the first few days of school to ensure there was collaboration and collective buy-in. Moreover, the same practice was true as a school leader. We would work, collectively, to create school-wide expectations. This encouraged collaboration, but also clear communication of expectations and accountability.

Autonomy: Allow teachers and students the freedom to explore, innovate, and take risks. Autonomy fosters creativity and a sense of ownership over one's work and learning. As a teacher, I would allow my students to have voice and choice in their learning and assignments. As a school leader, I encouraged teachers to do the same. Our students today do not know how to mitigate risk – providing spaces of autonomy allows them the safety to take risks and even fail, but to learn from it through reflection and empathy.

Recognition: Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of your staff and students. Recognition boosts morale and reinforces positive behaviors. We have to recognize any growth – no matter how small. Recognition should be specific and personalized. It does not have to be anything extraordinary, but something that brings awareness to what was accomplished.

(+1) Communication: Maintain clear, consistent, and open lines of communication. Effective communication ensures everyone is informed, heard, and valued. Remember that not communicating is still a form of communication. We want to tell our story so that someone else does not do it. I always say communicate, communicate, and communicate. You cannot over-communicate. This helps foster trust and a sense of belonging.

Thank you for answering the call to serve, teach, and lead. We are better because of you. I am grateful for you and rooting for your success. As you plan for the new school year, please reach out and connect with me. I look forward to hearing your stories, your focused work, and the incredible things you are doing for your students, staff, and community.

Keep shining bright! You’re awesome!

Dr. C