To gain trust from stakeholders, we have to be transparent and maintain high levels of accountability. This means clearly communicating what is happening in the organization, being open about our intentions, and explaining the reasoning behind our decisions. Additionally, setting specific goals, holding everyone accountable, and seeking regular feedback are critical steps in fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, we can build stronger relationships and ensure a successful school year.

Gen Z/Gen A students have an attention span of about 8 seconds. We know – we thought the same thing – how the heck are we supposed to teach all of the content we are required to teach, and get it done within 8 seconds? It starts with getting students up and moving.

Our students today are tech-savvy, digital natives, and love virtual reality. However, research shows that students need less screen time and more time interacting with one another to bolster relationships, communication skills, compassion, and empathy. Traditional teaching methods often fail to capture the interest of learners, but incorporating games into the learning process can make a significant difference. Explore creative ways to redesign classic games to make learning engaging and fun for your students regardless of age, content area, or level.

Back to School season is incredibly exciting and re-energizing as you get to plan out your new classroom theme, decide what new decorations you will purchase, and how you want to set up your space for success, effectiveness, and efficiency. As educators, we know that a classroom is more than just four walls—it's a dynamic environment that shapes the learning experience. From collaborative seating to ambient lighting, every element plays a crucial role in fostering engagement, creativity, and student well-being. We hope through this article, you gain practical insight into setting up your classroom space to not only be a great learning environment but one that cultivates engagement and belonging for all students to ensure a collective 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?

As many new leaders begin to transition into their respective roles and responsibilities, I am optimistic that they will continue to foster a sense of belonging for all students. As I often share, our students do not choose where they go to school or where they will be served; however, they still want to be valued, seen, heard, and respected. We, as leaders, are called and chosen to serve in our roles within their communities.

Our teachers, like our Gen Z/Gen A students, want relationships deeply rooted in trust, where they are empowered to be creative and bold. They seek the autonomy to take risks and be innovative, and they deserve recognition for their contributions to the classroom, school, and community.

There’s no doubt that the students we serve today are vastly different from those just a few years ago. But we cannot hope for the students of yesterday. We have to love the students we have, for I believe that every student in our classrooms was placed there for a specific purpose. It’s our responsibility to be the dealers of hope and belief, ensuring that they reach their full potential.

We continue to answer the call because we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Each day, educators inspire and empower, making a difference in the lives of their students and the future of our society. That is what has happened this year. In various ways, in various communities, and in various classrooms, we have inspired and made the world a better place for all.

A positive culture matters. Period. We have to create spaces where there are relationships deeply rooted in trust where people are empowered to be innovative and have the autonomy to take risks, but a space that also recognizes them for their value and contributions. We have to make spaces where people want to be.

I call this the 5+1 model of school culture – communication, relationships, trust, empowerment, autonomy, and recognition.

Teachers, I believe, are the dealers of hope and belief. They illuminate pathways to our dreams, instilling confidence and resilience in their students. With innovative approaches, they expand horizons, enabling students to envision a world full of possibilities.

To foster relationships anchored in trust, these principles serve as the bedrock upon which organizational cohesion is built.

The Power of Positive School Culture — it’s not just a concept, but an actual lived reality!